Nan Fang Ri Bao Wang Luo Ban·2026-02-03 08:13Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season has commenced, with an expected cross-regional movement of approximately 1.159 billion people in Guangdong over the 40-day period, coinciding with a 9-day extended holiday for the Spring Festival [1] - The first day of the Spring Festival travel saw a 19% increase in passenger flow at Guangzhou South Station compared to the previous year, with 530,000 passengers [2] Transportation Network Enhancements - New high-speed rail lines, including the Guangzhang and Shantou South sections, debuted during this Spring Festival travel season, marking significant upgrades to Guangdong's railway network [4] - Guangzhou Station has transformed into a high-speed rail hub, operating 196 trains during the travel period, an increase of 74 trains from the previous year, covering popular destinations such as Zhengzhou and Jinan [5] - Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is expected to handle 65,700 flights and transport approximately 10.5131 million passengers during the Spring Festival travel [5] Capacity Improvements - Eastern Airlines has increased seat availability in Guangdong by over 100,000 compared to 2025, while Air China has over 40% of its outbound flights using wide-body aircraft [6] - Southern Airlines plans to operate approximately 13,000 additional flights across more than 260 routes [6] Enhanced Services - Various convenient services, such as free hot water and emergency medical supplies, have been implemented at service areas along highways, with volunteers assisting in traffic management [7] - Passengers flying with Southern Airlines from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport can enjoy a "one-minute boarding" service, allowing for a more relaxed travel experience [7] Technological Innovations - A smart parking system was launched at Guangzhou Baiyun Station, enabling travelers to easily locate their vehicles using a mobile app [8] - Advanced inspection technologies, including a robot equipped with 4K cameras and 3D sensors, are being utilized for the maintenance of high-speed trains, significantly improving efficiency [9] Travel Trends - There is a growing trend for travelers to seek out winter vacations, with popular destinations including Beijing, Chengdu, and Sanya, reflecting a shift in travel preferences during the Spring Festival [10] - Ticket price discounts have been introduced on 72 passenger trains to encourage off-peak travel and attract visitors to Guangdong, with discounts as low as 20% [11] Economic Impact - Guangdong's "Guanghuo Goes Global" initiative has been launched, promoting local products during the Spring Festival, contributing to a surge in exports of festive goods [11]