China's railways have powered through 258 million passenger trips since the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush began, marking one of the busiest human migrations in history 🌏. With the 40-day chunyun period now halfway done, officials report record-breaking numbers as families reunite and travelers crisscross the country.
On February 21 alone, 17.19 million trips were recorded—equivalent to moving the entire population of the Netherlands in a single day! 🚆 Sunday’s numbers are expected to hit 17.93 million, with over 2,200 extra trains deployed to handle the surge.
Rail authorities have optimized routes between major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, upgraded onboard Wi-Fi for TikTok-ready travelers 📱, and streamlined ticket checks using AI-powered systems. The Spring Festival (February 17 this year) remains a cultural cornerstone, driving what’s often called ‘the world’s largest annual migration’.
Pro tip for globetrotters: If you’re planning a 2026 trip to the Chinese mainland, avoid the chunyun window (February 2–March 13) unless you’re ready to join the ultimate travel marathon! 🏃♂️💨
