Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival travel period is expected to see a record high of 9.5 billion trips, according to the Ministry of Transport [1] - Gaode's report provides data-driven insights for public travel planning and safety during this peak travel season [1] Travel Planning - The travel pattern will exhibit "double peaks" before and after the festival, with the outbound peak expected on February 7 and 8, and the return peak on February 22 and 23 [2] - Short-term congestion is anticipated around noon on February 18 due to traditional visiting habits [2] Congestion Hotspots - Certain highway sections are predicted to be major congestion points, with the G60 Hukun Expressway in the Chuzhou section expected to have an average speed as low as 23 km/h [4] - Key transportation hubs such as train stations in Xuchang, Zhuhai, Guilin, Xuzhou, and Zhumadian are also expected to experience heavy traffic [4] Diverse Travel Options - Ridesharing, particularly through platforms like Gaode, is becoming an important supplement to public transport during the Spring Festival [5] - The report highlights a trend of passengers booking rides earlier than drivers, suggesting that early reservations can help manage travel plans [5] - Safety concerns are addressed with data from Gaode's "Eagle Eye" system, which has reduced accident-related complaints by 20% [5] Destination Trends - The trend of "traveling for the New Year" is characterized by thematic travel, with cities like Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, and Hangzhou being popular for self-driving trips [6] - Three main themes for travel destinations include: - Experiencing traditional customs in ancient towns, with popular sites like Xi'an's Datang Night City and Fenghuang Ancient Town [6][9] - Climbing for blessings at traditional mountains such as Putuo Mountain and Jiuhua Mountain [9] - Seeking warmth on southern islands like Aodao and Gulangyu [9]