More Chinese people own cars than ever before, and many are choosing to drive back to their hometowns for the Spring Festival holiday.
Another option which has recently emerged is car-pooling, and there are many online facilities to arrange a ride home with a driver who's on your route. But travelling with strangers is a turn-off for many people.
Zuo Xiaoping is the owner of several community gyms in Beijing. His home town is in Hubei Province in Central China. He is as anxious as others to get back home for a family reunion.
But he must stay in the nation's capital until the eve of the holiday, when train tickets are no longer available.
"I usually send my employees home earlier, days before the Spring Festival. But my business has to continue. So I decide to drive back home, which is more convenient and flexible. I can also take back more gifts to my family members," Zuo said.
It's a long ride for him.
"I'll drive more than 11-hundred kilometers to get home. It usually takes me 12 to 14 hours. If I don't rest, I could make it in 10," Zuo said.
There are many who choose to drive home for the holiday. But for those without wheels, car-pooling is becoming more prevalent. And it's easy to find a car travelling in your
On some of China's "craigslist-type websites", there are many people posting car-pool information.
While, on China's largest taxi and car reservation app, car-pooling requests can be submitted by simply providing your mobile phone number, intended time of departure, current location and proposed destination.
The company operating the app says it can easily find a match on their vast database.
During the first week of the Spring Festival travel rush, they claimed to have helped more than 300-thousand people find a ride home.
But many are wondering if the company has an effective and reliable vetting system for both drivers and passengers.
"I think it's very convenient. But I would only travel together with my friends. I will not do it by myself.
"Car pooling back home is not my first choice. I'm concerned about my safety.
Many online platforms have clear disclaimers that they are only that if any disputes or accidents take place, they are clear of any responsibilities.
Commentators believe these companies only provide these services as mere marketing campaigns, rather than having any interest in solving a very practical problem for many travellers.
