Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2026-01-23 05:16Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season in China is expected to see record-high passenger flow and transportation volume across railways and civil aviation, with significant increases in both sectors compared to previous years [1][4]. Railway Sector - The China National Railway Group anticipates sending 539 million passengers during the Spring Festival travel period from February 2 to March 13, 2026, representing a 5% year-on-year increase [1]. - On peak travel days, over 14,000 passenger trains are expected to operate, with a 5.3% increase in seating capacity compared to the previous year [1]. - The railway ticketing service will enhance support for key passenger groups, including additional discounts for college graduates and continued services for students and workers [1][3]. Civil Aviation Sector - The civil aviation sector is projected to transport 95 million passengers during the Spring Festival, with a daily average of 2.375 million passengers, marking a 5.3% increase [4]. - Major airlines are expected to operate 657,000 flights, also reflecting a 5% increase year-on-year [4]. - The top three airlines (China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern) will account for 43% of the flights, while the top 20 airlines will represent 90% of the total operations [4]. Ticket Pricing and Trends - As of January 15, 2026, the average pre-sale price for domestic economy class tickets during the Spring Festival is 1,064 yuan (including tax), which is 20% higher than the actual transaction price from the previous year [5]. - The peak ticket prices are expected around the Spring Festival, with significant price drops possible for travelers who adjust their travel dates [5]. - Popular domestic travel destinations are dominated by southern cities, with Shantou leading in booking growth at 186% year-on-year [5]. International Travel - During the Spring Festival, outbound travel is primarily focused on Southeast Asia, with Thailand being the most popular destination [6]. - There has been a significant reduction in flights to Japan, with a cancellation rate of 36% for flights during the travel period [6]. - The demand for customized outbound travel packages has increased, with an 18% rise in pre-orders for long-haul trips [6].