China forecasts 14% drop in travelers during Lunar New Year

Use of private cars may signal that consumers are tightening their belts

20240126 China railway station in Shanghai

Hongqiao Station in Shanghai on Jan. 26 is packed with people traveling during the holiday season. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

IORI KAWATE and TOMOKO WAKASUGI, Nikkei staff writers

BEJING/SHANGHAI -- The Chinese New Year travel rush, known as "Chunyun," started on Friday, with the government projecting a 14% decrease from the year before in the number of people using public transportation for returning home or going on trips.

On Friday, Shanghai Hongqiao station was filled with homeward-bound passengers, and tourists with big suitcases. "I will spend a month at my home in Anhui province," said a 30-year-old worker in Shanghai. "I'm looking forward to meeting my family and friends."

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