Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season will begin on February 2 and end on March 13, lasting 40 days, with an expected record high of 9.5 billion trips across the country [1] - The government will enhance transportation capacity, stagger travel times, and improve service guarantees to ensure safe and smooth travel for the public [1] Transportation Sector - Road travel will dominate, with approximately 80% of trips expected to be by private car, and measures will be taken to optimize travel experiences, including real-time information dissemination [3][4] - By the end of 2025, the number of new energy vehicles in China is projected to reach 43.97 million, with 12.93 million registered in 2025 alone, highlighting the growing importance of charging infrastructure [3] - During the Spring Festival, from February 15 to February 23, tolls for small passenger vehicles will be waived on national highways [4] Rail Sector - The railway and civil aviation sectors are expected to see passenger volumes of 540 million and 95 million, respectively, with both sectors aiming to exceed historical peaks [5] - The introduction of a new internet-based free refund policy for mistakenly purchased train tickets will be implemented, allowing refunds within 30 minutes of purchase [6] - New train routes and increased service frequency will be introduced to meet changing travel demands, particularly for family and tourism-related trips [5][6] Aviation Sector - The civil aviation sector anticipates a surge in travel for both domestic and international tourism, with a focus on routes catering to winter tourism and warmer destinations [7] - Airlines will be encouraged to enhance service offerings, including child-friendly amenities and improved accessibility for elderly travelers [8] - Airports will be supported in integrating cultural and consumer products into their shopping offerings, enhancing the travel experience [8]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season is expected to see a record high of 9.5 billion trips, with significant measures being implemented to ensure safe and smooth travel for the public [1][4]. Transportation Measures - The travel period will last from February 2 to March 13, 2026, with a focus on increasing transportation capacity, guiding peak travel times, and enhancing service guarantees [1]. - During the Spring Festival, highways will waive tolls for small passenger vehicles (seven seats or fewer) from February 15 to February 23, 2026 [3]. Travel Trends - Self-driving travel will dominate, accounting for approximately 80% of trips, with trends such as "reverse Spring Festival travel" becoming more common [2]. - The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is projected to increase, with 43.97 million NEVs expected by the end of 2025, and 12.93 million new registrations in 2025 alone [2]. Rail and Air Travel Enhancements - Rail and air passenger volumes are expected to reach 540 million and 95 million, respectively, surpassing historical peaks [4]. - The introduction of a new internet-based free refund policy for mistakenly purchased train tickets will be implemented, allowing refunds within 30 minutes of purchase [6]. Air Travel Adjustments - The civil aviation sector will focus on meeting diverse travel demands, including increased flights for winter tourism and outbound travel [7]. - Airlines will be encouraged to enhance services for elderly travelers and families, including special meals and entertainment for children [8].

Core Viewpoint - The State Council Information Office held a press conference on January 29 to discuss the spring transportation situation and work arrangements for 2026, highlighting new services for elderly travelers [1] Group 1: Service Enhancements - Starting from January 20, the China National Railway Group launched a telephone ticket booking service for elderly passengers aged 60 and above, allowing them to call the railway customer service at 12306 for assistance [1] - The service includes the option for elderly travelers to choose between online and offline payment methods, making it more convenient for them to purchase tickets [1]