Navigating Spring Festival: Holiday travel tips
As Spring Festival draws near, Shanghai is gearing up for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. With festivities and family reunions on the horizon, it's important to be well-prepared for your journey during this exciting time.
The Spring Festival travel rush lasts from Jan 14 to Feb 22, encompassing 40 days of busy traffic. During the holiday, small private vehicles with seven seats or fewer can enjoy free passage on national toll roads for eight days. The exact duration is from Jan 28 (New Year's Eve) until Feb 4 (the seventh day of Chinese New Year).
The 40-day travel rush is divided into three phases:
Pre-Spring Festival Period (Jan 14–Jan 27)
Spring Festival Holiday (Jan 28–Feb 4)
Post-Spring Festival Period (Feb 5–Feb 22)
Tips for a Smooth Journey
The Spring Festival holiday is expected to see a surge in travel demands, particularly on highways, as family visits, student migrations, and tourism converge. Here are some tips to help you travel safely during this festive season.
- Weather Awareness: Stay informed about weather forecasts and exercise caution when traveling through regions experiencing adverse conditions like rain, snow, fog, or icy roads.
- Vehicle Check: Prior to embarking on your journey, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition, with functioning brakes, lights, wipers, and other essential components. Carry a reflective triangle for emergencies.
- Flexible Planning: Consider your personal circumstances and plan your travel routes and timing wisely to avoid peak congestion periods.
- Real-Time Updates: Stay updated on road conditions through dynamic information boards and plan your route accordingly.
- Maintaining a Positive Attitude: In case of highway congestion, remain patient and consider alternative routes or nearby exits to detour onto national roads or local highways.
Embrace the festive spirit and embark on your journey with confidence during this special time in the city.
Source: WeChat account "shanghaifabu"