Particle.news
Download on the App Store

China’s Lunar New Year Travel Rush On Track for Record 9.5 Billion Trips

An extended break with expanded visa-free access is lifting bookings to Thailand, Australia and Russia, with Japan seeing a sharp decline.

Overview

  • Officials project 9.5 billion domestic journeys during the 40-day Chunyun that began on February 2, with the public holiday set for February 15–23.
  • China Railway reported 1.01 billion passengers by February 10; first-week flights reached 16.32 million, with about 95 million air trips expected for the season.
  • Travel agencies highlight rising overseas demand led by Thailand and Australia, with Russia strengthening after its December 2025 visa waiver for Chinese tourists.
  • Flight Master data show ChinaJapan traffic has plunged, with flights down 49.2% in the week starting February 2 and 58 routes canceled compared with last year’s festival.
  • Aviation firm IBA reports international seat capacity up about 9% year on year, and Hong Kong logged 1.39 million outbound trips from February 13 to 15.