The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport has released a travel guide for the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush, also known as chunyun.

Free toll for passenger cars during the holiday

This year, chunyun will span 40 days from Feb 2 to March 13 and will be divided into three phases:

• Pre-holiday period: Feb 2 – Feb 14
• Holiday period: Feb 15 – Feb 23
• Post-holiday period: Feb 24 – March 13

A nine-day toll-free period for passenger cars on expressways will be implemented from 00:00 on Feb 15 to 24:00 on Feb 23.

Overall expressway traffic is expected to increase during the travel rush period, with average daily traffic estimated at approximately 1.3 million vehicles.

Average daily traffic at provincial boundary crossings is projected to be around 600,000 vehicles.

The outbound peak from Shanghai is expected on Feb 13, while the inbound peak during the holiday period is forecasted for Feb 23.

Travel tips

• Check weather forecasts before traveling. Caution should be exercised, and official instructions followed if routes pass through areas with rain, snow, fog, or icy conditions.
• Inspect your vehicle in advance, including oil and coolant levels, brakes, wipers, lights, tire pressures, and ensure a warning triangle is carried in the vehicle.
• Consider flexible travel arrangements to avoid peaks by adjusting routes and departure times.
• Remain calm if encountering congestion. Consider exiting the expressway at the nearest interchange and using national or provincial highways as alternatives.

 

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport