The Lunar New Year is a huge occasion in China. Hundreds of millions of people return to their hometowns to celebrate it. This year is no exception. Airports, railway stations and bus stations are packed with travellers making their annual trek. This year corresponds to the Year of the Snake in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The festivities and celebrations begin on the 29th of January and last for up to 16 days. The first seven are national holidays. Reuters reported that overseas travel is particularly popular this year. It quoted a travel agency that said "bookings for outbound flights and holiday packages on its platform had doubled from last year". The most popular destinations are in Asia.

The AP news agency said China's New Year is "the world's biggest annual movement of humanity". With the advent of modern, high-speed transport in China, the number of people on the move has skyrocketed. The Xinhua news agency said journeys are expected to "hit record highs" this year. When the first New Year holiday began in China, some 3,500 years ago, far fewer people would have left their hometowns. However, following the rapid growth of China's economy, billions of people have relocated across the country for work, study, or to greener pastures. The subsequent annual exodus has been a boon for the economy. The tourism, hospitality and retail sectors see an uplift in profits.