Millions Travel for Lunar New Year Amid Economic Concerns in China

BEIJING, China — Millions of Chinese travelers crowded railway stations and airports on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, as they embarked on journeys to reunite with family for the Lunar New Year, the country’s most significant holiday. The festival, marking the Year of the Snake, runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 and is a time for feasting, shopping, and family gatherings.

This year, the government extended the official holiday period from seven to eight days, aiming to stimulate consumer spending amid economic challenges. Authorities have also promoted winter-themed destinations and ensured affordable airfares to encourage travel. However, despite these efforts, many citizens expressed concerns about the economy, job security, and rising unemployment.

“It’s become even more difficult to earn money and find a job. There are many more unemployed people, and they all say it is more difficult,” said Liu, a Beijing-based sales professional who declined to share his full name due to the sensitivity of the issue. Liu was among the travelers preparing to return to his hometown in northeastern China.

Qiang, a hairdresser in central Beijing, noted a decline in demand for premium services like hair dyeing and perms during the holiday season. “We used to have eight to 10 such clients a day during this season in normal years. But last year and this year, we only have about two to three,” he said.

China’s transport ministry estimates a record 9 billion trips will be made during the 40-day travel period surrounding the festival, up from 8.4 billion last year. However, some workers, like Nie, a 57-year-old employee at a Beijing sports center, chose to stay in the city to earn triple pay during the holiday. “I haven’t managed to make much money in 2024,” she said, withholding her full name for privacy reasons.

One bright spot in the economy is the film industry, with advance ticket sales for Lunar New Year movies exceeding 400 million yuan ($55.24 million) by Jan. 23, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. The film “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants,” starring actor Xiao Zhan, has driven much of the demand.

Meanwhile, outbound travel has surged, with bookings for international flights and holiday packages doubling compared to last year, according to travel agency Qunar. Popular destinations include Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and Hong Kong, with ticket sales to these regions increasing by more than 50%.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the economic challenges facing China remain a concern for many. As families gather to celebrate, the government’s efforts to boost consumption and stabilize the economy will be closely watched.