China’s Lunar New Year Travel Rush Starts Early

Beginner | February 13, 2026

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China Lunar New Year travel: The World’s Biggest Holiday Travel Season Begins

China has started its huge Lunar New Year travel season, often called the world’s largest annual human migration. This year’s China Lunar New Year travel rush is already building fast. The travel rush is known as “chunyun” and lasts about 40 days—from February 2 to March 13, 2026. Millions of people travel to see family, go on vacation, or return to their hometowns for the holiday. (Reuters, TravelChinaGuide)

A Longer Holiday This Year: Feb. 15–23

In 2026, China’s Lunar New Year is on February 17, and it’s the Year of the Horse. This time, the public holiday is nine days long—from February 15 to February 23—which is longer than last year’s break. Officials hope this extra-long holiday will encourage people to spend more on travel, restaurants, and shopping. (Reuters)

A Record Number of Trips Expected

Reuters reports that China expects about 9.5 billion passenger trips during the travel period—higher than last year’s 9.02 billion. That number includes many different types of travel, especially road trips. In other words, this is not just “a busy week.” It’s a massive national movement that tests airports, train stations, highways, and city traffic. (Reuters)

Tickets, Prices, and Stress

Some travelers say planning feels harder this year because flights and trains can sell out quickly. Reuters quoted a traveler at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport saying ticket prices were rising and seats were harder to find. When demand spikes like this, prices can climb—so families often have to plan early or choose less convenient travel times. (Reuters Video)

Where People Are Going (Inside China and Abroad)

Travel platforms are seeing strong demand. Reuters reported a 21% year-on-year increase in domestic flight bookings. For international travel, popular destinations are focused on Southeast Asia, with Thailand mentioned as a top choice. At the same time, Reuters said routes to Japan dropped by more than 40%, linked to recent diplomatic tensions. Inside China, some travelers are choosing famous “culture towns” and heritage locations like Huangshan, Jingdezhen, and Foshan. (Reuters)

Why This Story Matters

This China Lunar New Year travel rush is more than a holiday tradition—it’s also a “real-world report” on confidence. Reuters notes that China is still dealing with concerns like a sluggish property market and job insecurity, so the government is watching whether people will spend freely or stay cautious. Either way, the roads and stations will be packed. If you ever travel in East Asia, this story is a great reminder: big holidays = big crowds. (Reuters)

Vocabulary

Travel rush (noun) – a time when many people travel at the same time.
Example: “The travel rush begins weeks before Lunar New Year.”*
Migration (noun) – movement of many people from one place to another.
Example: “Chunyun is called the world’s largest annual migration.”*
Extended (adjective) – longer than usual.
Example: “China has an extended nine-day holiday this year.”*
Public holiday (noun) – an official day off work/school.
Example: “The public holiday runs from Feb. 15 to Feb. 23.”*
Passenger trip (noun) – one journey made by one person.
Example: “Authorities expect billions of passenger trips.”*
Book (tickets) (verb) – to reserve.
Example: “People book tickets early during peak seasons.”*
Sell out (verb) – to have no tickets left.
Example: “Flights can sell out quickly during chunyun.”*
Year-on-year (adjective) – compared to the same time last year.
Example: “Bookings rose year-on-year by 21%.”*
Destination (noun) – the place you are going.
Example: “Thailand is a popular destination for travelers.”*
Tension (noun) – a difficult relationship or disagreement.
Example: “Political tension can affect travel choices.”*

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is chunyun, and how long does it last in 2026?
How long is China’s Lunar New Year holiday this year?
How many passenger trips are expected, and how does that compare to last year?
What travel problems did some people mention (prices, sold out tickets, etc.)?
Which destinations are becoming more popular, and which routes dropped?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What is the busiest travel holiday in your country? Why is it busy?
Do you prefer traveling during peak season or off-season? Why?
What do you do to save money when travel prices rise?
How can governments make travel easier during major holidays?
Do political issues ever affect travel in your region? How?

Related Idiom

“Beat the rush” – to do something early so you avoid crowds.

Example: “If you want cheaper tickets, try to beat the rush and book early.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters