China is preparing for a massive human migration anticipated to take place during the upcoming Lunar New Year, locally known as the spring festival. According to some estimates, as many as 9.5 billion trips are forecasted to be made across China as people return home to celebrate the start of the lunar new year with their families. The usual peak travel period is expected to put enormous pressure on China's transportation infrastructure, presenting a daunting logistical challenge for authorities.
As Japan has a relatively large Chinese immigrant population, the effects of the Lunar New Year human migration in China exert noticeable effects on the Japanese economy and society. The surge in travel before and after the Lunar New Year also impacts the frequency and availability of flights between both countries. Therefore, Japan monitors the situation closely for any potential disruptions to its economy, especially in the midst of the continued pandemic threats.
Compared to how similar issues are handled in the US or EU, China's Lunar New Year migration presents a unique challenge due to its sheer volume. The US or EU usually face similar situations during the Christmas holiday season, yet the scale isn't directly comparable. Unlike China, they also have diversified transportation options and advanced infrastructure to deal with seasonal migrations.