Q: It's certainly a vast movement of people across the country every year, but how are things different this year?
There are actually a few new developments this year when it comes to the Spring Festival travel rush. First of all, No need to stand in long lines in the cold for a train ticket anymore. Chinese people from all walks of life, are becoming more tech savvy, and buying train tickets online.
In 2015, 6 out of every 10 train tickets sold were sold on the internet. This is certainly a good change, but here's a not so good one. The 2016 Spring Festival travel rush may be the coldest in years, as temperatures plunged to record lows over the past week.
It may not be too big of a problem for people travelling by rail or air. But for those opting to travel home by motor-cycling, it's certainly a real battle against the cold. And finally, this change may not matter at all, or be totally devastating.
China's high-speed rail will no longer offer instant noodles for sale on trains, citing its pungent smell. For millions and millions of Chinese travellers, instant noodles are the Mecca of travel food, the hot dog during a baseball game or chicken soup during a cold.
However, passengers will still be allowed to consume instant noodles that they bring on their own. So I guess this year's spring festival will still be as flavorful as any other year.
