China’s Spring Festival Travel Rush Kicks Off with Record Highs and Cultural Celebrations
Shenzhen, China – As dawn broke on January 14, 2025, Shenzhen North Railway Station buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Among the early risers was Wang Hui, a mother and long-time resident of Shenzhen, who was waiting for the first high-speed train to Xi’an City, scheduled to depart at 6:08 a.m. The Spring Festival, celebrated as the most important holiday in China, has prompted millions like Wang to embark on their annual journeys home.
A Journey to Home and Heritage
Despite having built a life in Shenzhen since her university years, Wang feels a deep emotional pull to her hometown each Spring Festival. ‘I’ve been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family, but every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can’t help but feel the pull of home,’ she expressed with a smile, reflecting on the long journey that lay ahead.
Another traveler, referred to only as Zhong, echoed similar sentiments as she prepared to head back to her hometown in Chenzhou, located in Hunan Province. With over a decade in Shenzhen, Zhong described how the city’s rapid development has not diminished her feelings of homesickness during this festive season. ‘I’ve planned this trip for a month. The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us,’ she said.
Chunyun: The Travel Rush Begins
The Spring Festival travel period, popularly known as chunyun, officially commenced on January 14 and is projected to last until February 22. Authorities anticipate an unprecedented nine billion inter-regional trips to take place during this 40-day travel rush. Emerging statistics from transportation agencies reveal that by January 19, over one billion inter-regional trips had already been recorded, showcasing the immense scale of this seasonal migration.
Travel data from Ctrip, one of China’s leading online travel agencies, indicates that many travelers are making their way from major urban centers, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, to popular destinations like Harbin, Chongqing, and Chengdu.
Cultural Heritage at the Heart of the Festival
For many, the Spring Festival transcends mere family reunions; it represents a time to reconnect with the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. This festive season is marked by numerous cherished traditions such as shopping for festival goods, pasting Spring Festival couplets, giving red envelopes (hongbao), igniting fireworks, hanging lanterns, and participating in the New Year’s Eve vigil (shousui).
Among the most anticipated events is the Spring Festival Gala (chunwan), a multi-hour televised art show that has been a celebrated fixture since 1983. This year’s gala holds particular significance as it integrates elements from the recent inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, embodying the essence of Chinese cultural identity and celebration.
A Cultural Feasting Experience
Cultural heritage is gaining prominence not just in celebrations but in consumer behavior as well. In Chongqing, shop owner Guo reported increased sales in traditional items like paper-cuttings and shadow puppetry. “More people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage,” he noted, emphasizing the thriving interest in cultural products.
Furthermore, the rise of intangible cultural heritage (ICT) is fueling interest in themed tourism. Activities such as traditional paper-cutting workshops in Zhejiang Province and stunning displays during the Lantern Festival in Zigong are attracting numerous visitors. Meituan Travel data indicates remarkable growth in searches for such experiences, with interest in the huohu (fire pot) performance up five-fold compared to previous years.
Conclusion
As this year’s chunyun unfolds, it not only represents a record-high travel volume but also a revival of cultural engagement among travelers. With families across China set to gather to honor their traditions, this Spring Festival promises to invigorate the tourism industry, adding momentum to the economy while strengthening bonds with China’s rich cultural heritage.
For further updates on travel and cultural heritage during the Spring Festival, please visit CGTN News.
————————————————————————
Follow the Bimoseto family as we explore the world, one delicious dish at a time! Get our travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and adventure stories – and get inspired for your journeys!