Chinese New Year tests COVID control as millions hit the road

Travelers head home in annual mass exodus though strict measures deter some

20210129 china lunar new year

Passengers wait to embark on home-bound trips for Lunar New Year at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station on Jan.  28.  © AP

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

SHANGHAI -- Migrant workers in cities across China have begun their annual pilgrimage home for Lunar New Year celebrations despite government advice to stay put.

An average of 28.8 million people per day are expected to depart by road and air transport during the 40-day peak travel period that began Thursday, although the official break for the New Year, which falls on Feb. 12 this year, is seven days.

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