Photo by Weng Qiyu

Today, Monday, the world’s largest human migration kicked off and some 2.99 billion trips are expected to be made during the 40-day travel rush when people are busy traveling to every corner of China for family get-togethers for the Spring Festival holiday.

Specifically, 413 million trips will be made via train, up 8.3%, and 73 million trips via plane, up 12%, thanks to China’s strong railway and airway network, which has developed rapidly amid the nation’s urbanization process and basic infrastructure construction projects.

As at least 10 new railway lines opened last year and more Fuxing bullet trains – the country’s most advanced high-speed train – have been deployed on the nation’s railways, increasing the capacity of railway transportation by 5.3%.

Photo by Weng Qiyu

Prior to Feb. 4, the start of the Spring Festival holiday, some 4,787 pairs of passenger trains will be arranged, providing 9.42 million seats every day on average, up 5.4%. During the Spring Festival travel rush, the number of Fuxing bullet trains will be increased to 400 pairs, and 180 pairs of brand new bullet trains with a maximum speed of 350 kmh will also join the rush.

To better control the large crowds of people on the move, the Chinese government issued a regulation, vowing severe punishment of any illegal activities, such as obstruction of transportation security.