The Lunar New Year is a huge occasion China. Hundreds millions of people return to their hometowns to celebrate it. This year is no exception. Airports, railway stations and bus stations are packed travellers making their annual trek. This year corresponds to the Year the Snake the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The festivities and celebrations begin on the 29th of January and last to 16 days. The first seven are national holidays. Reuters reported that overseas travel is particularly popular this year. It quoted A travel agency said "bookings outbound flights and holiday packages its platform had doubled 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 humanity". the advent of modern, high-speed transport China, the number 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 China, some 3,500 years ago, far fewer people would have left their hometowns. However, following the rapid growth China's economy, billions people have relocated across the country work, study, or to greener pastures. The subsequent annual exodus has been a boon the economy. The tourism, hospitality and retail sectors see an uplift profits.
