2014 Spring Festival travel rush begins Thursday, lasting 40 days
2014年春运高峰来临 历时40天
The largest annual population migration on earth starts from today in China, as people make their way home for the Spring Festival holiday. During the 40-day travel period, a total number of 3.6 billion trips are expected, 200 million more than last year.
Authorities estimate 2.6 million trips a day on the roads at the peak. There will be 21,000 passenger ships at the ready, and 50,000 flights a week, which is 12,000 more than normally.
On the railways will be 5,000 trains every single day before the actual Spring Festival. The railway operator is directing all its efforts in guaranteeing maximum transport capacity during the travel rush.