The largest annual human migration has started in China, where hundreds of millions of people are travelling to be with their families for the Chinese New Year on
February 5.
Authorities are expecting a total of 2.99bn trips by car, train and aeroplane in the 40 days surrounding the holiday.
China’s National Development and Reform Commission estimates an 8.3% increase in railway travel and a 12% growth in air travel.
The number of car trips, meanwhile, is expected to drop by 0.8%.
Authorities are expecting an average of 1.77mn international trips per day over the next week, according to the National Immigration Administration – an 8.9% increase over last year.
The holiday, however, will be a test for how affected China’s economy has been by the ongoing trade war with the United States.
Experts expect Chinese consumers to be more economical in their shopping compared to previous years.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different date every year according to the lunar
calendar.
It is the most important Chinese holiday and an occasion for families to reunite.
Passengers enter Beijing Railway Station in Beijing yesterday.
