BEIJING — China’s highway system is experiencing a surge in traffic as travelers return from the Spring Festival holiday, also known as Chinese New Year. The Ministry of Transport reported today, February 21, 2026, that highway traffic is expected to exceed 65 million vehicle trips, signaling a significant increase in post-holiday travel. This marks a considerable return to normalcy following adjustments made during the pandemic.
The increased traffic is concentrated on major routes including the沪渝高速 (Hu-Yu Expressway), 京沪高速 (Jing-Hu Expressway), 沪昆高速 (Hu-Kun Expressway), and 深岑高速 (Shen-Cen Expressway), where congestion is anticipated. Authorities are closely monitoring these key arteries to manage the flow and minimize delays for returning commuters.
Return Travel Drives Highway Volume
The surge in traffic comes as millions conclude their Spring Festival travels, a period traditionally marked by the largest annual human migration as people return to their hometowns to celebrate with family. This year’s return travel is particularly notable, as it reflects a strong rebound in travel activity after the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions. According to a report released in November 2024, the nationwide highway traffic volume in 2023 increased by 13.8% compared to 2022, with vehicle numbers up 17.5% and total vehicle mileage increasing by 15.9%. The 2023 National Highway Traffic Report, published by the Transportation Planning and Research Institute of the Ministry of Transport, attributes this growth to a “compensatory” effect of pent-up demand for travel following the pandemic.
Specifically, the report highlighted significant increases during the Spring Festival, Labor Day, and Mid-Autumn/National Day holidays, with traffic volumes rising by 14%, 41%, and 18% respectively compared to the same periods in 2022. The peak day for traffic in 2023 was April 29, followed closely by September 28 and 29.
Coordinated Highway Network Management
The Ministry of Transport emphasizes the coordinated operation of both expressways and ordinary national and provincial roads to maximize network efficiency. Expressways, as the backbone of the national highway network, handle approximately 42% of the total traffic volume. This coordinated approach aims to distribute traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks.
Recent Infrastructure Developments
The focus on highway infrastructure extends beyond simply managing existing traffic. In 2024, the Ministry of Transport reported significant progress in standardization and research within the transportation sector. The 2024 Traffic Transport Industry Development Statistical Bulletin details the establishment of a national key laboratory alliance in the transportation field, strengthening the nation’s strategic scientific and technological capabilities. 296 national and industry standards were released throughout the year, indicating a continued commitment to improving the quality and safety of transportation infrastructure.
The Ministry of Transport continues to provide real-time traffic updates and encourages travelers to check conditions before and during their journeys. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and allow for extra travel time due to the increased volume.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Transport will continue to monitor traffic flow and implement measures to ensure a smooth and safe return to normal travel patterns. Further updates on highway conditions will be released as needed.
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