China Readies for World’s Biggest Human Migration: QuickTake Q&A
Chinese New Year, like Thanksgiving in the U.S., is an annual ritual of family reunification and overindulgence. The scale of the migration is astounding: While some 49 million Americans undertake a significant journey for Thanksgiving, Chinese citizens will rack up 3 billion trips during this year’s travel-fest. (Source: Bloomberg)
It brings much of China’s economy to a halt and strains transport systems, not to mention waistlines. Chinese New Year is an annual ritual of family reunification and overindulgence. The scale of the migration is astounding: While some 49 million Americans undertake a significant journey for Thanksgiving, Chinese citizens will rack up 3 billion trips during this year’s travel-fest. Best book those seats early.
Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year marks the beginning of China’s lunar calendar. It’s China’s most important holiday, a period that’s seen enshrining values like unity and family ties. Citizens get a statutory seven-day holiday beginning Chinese New Year’s Eve, which is Jan. 27 this year. Traditionally, the celebrations span 16 days, from a family feast on New Year’s Eve through the Lantern Festival on day 15.