BEIJING, Feb 11 (V7N) — China’s annual Lunar New Year travel season has begun, with authorities forecasting a record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the 40-day period surrounding the country’s most important traditional festival.

The mass migration, known as “chunyun,” is widely regarded as the world’s largest annual movement of people. Millions are traveling back to their hometowns ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17 this year.

Among the travelers is Liu Zhiquan, a construction worker in Beijing, who was preparing for a train journey of more than 30 hours to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, roughly 2,000 kilometers away. He said economic conditions feel more challenging than last year.

“The economy is bad and it’s getting harder to make money,” Liu said.

To save money, Liu opted for a slower train. A high-speed service would take about nine hours but costs more than twice as much. Despite the lengthy trip, he said returning home remains essential, as the holiday is often the only opportunity for migrant workers to reunite with their families.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, approximately 540 million trips are expected by rail and 95 million by air during the travel period, while the majority of journeys will take place by road.

In China, where many employees work long hours and receive limited annual leave, the Lunar New Year holiday is especially significant. This year’s official holiday begins on February 15 and lasts nine days for many workers.

At major railway stations in Beijing, large crowds filled waiting halls, many carrying heavy bags and suitcases. Passengers were seen eating instant noodles while waiting, using the free hot water commonly provided at stations.

Tian Duofu, who recently began full-time work in Beijing, said she is looking forward to the extended break.

“After I started working, I realized such a long holiday is rare, and we meet in person less often, which makes the Spring Festival more meaningful,” she said.

Tian Yunxia, originally from Henan province and now operating a breakfast stall in Beijing, said she is eager to reunite with her children, grandchildren and husband.

“The new year is the most important festival. If we don’t go back home, we cannot truly feel the festive atmosphere,” she said.

END/WD/RH/