Chongqing Sees Surge in Travel as Spring Festival Rush Begins

Chongqing—The Spring Festival travel rush is China’s annual mass migration for family reunions from January 14 to February 22 this year.

On the first day of the busiest travel period, Bridging News reporters visited Chongqing North Railway Station and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to get a firsthand look at the situation in the railway and airline sectors.

For the railway, it is expected that 56.5 million passengers will be transported, averaging about 1.41 million passengers per day, a 5.6% increase compared to last year.

To manage the higher passenger flow, the Comprehensive Management Bureau of Chongqing North Railway Station has implemented several measures, including deploying 120 long-distance buses, adding 2,000 taxis, and extending the operating hours of some metro lines by an additional hour.

While rail travel remains the most traditional form of transport during the peak period, airlines offer more options, especially for international travel.

Preliminary statistics show that Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport will handle 40,000 flights during the 40-day travel season, with approximately 6.2 million passengers traveling through the airport. This averages 1,000 flights and 155,000 passengers per day, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.5% in flights and 7.7% in passenger traffic compared to the 2024 Spring Festival season.

Ahead of the Spring Festival rush, the airport coordinated with airlines to increase capacity on popular tourist routes to better meet the travel demands of Chongqing residents.

Air China will resume its Chongqing-Tokyo service on international routes, while Chongqing Airlines will add new routes to Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City. Some airlines will offer charter flights to destinations such as Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

Staff members presented Spring Festival couplets to arriving travelers. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Wisley, a Brazilian traveler, shared at the airport that Chongqing is his fourth stop in China. I love China, and the infrastructure is amazing," he said, praising the convenience of using airplanes with his DragonPass benefits.

He also mentioned traveling in China during the Spring Festival season offers a unique experience. "We even brought traditional Chinese clothes to wear for the New Year," he added.

On the first day of the travel rush, festive performances at the railway station and airport warmly welcomed travelers for the Spring Festival.

Sichuan opera performers delivered a captivating show at Chongqing North Railway Station. (Photo/Chen Zhan)