In recent days, railway stations, airports, and highways have been bustling with activity. Observers note that this year's Spring Festival travel season is characterized by fresh developments evident in the details. As the holiday approaches, many are already embarking on their journeys home. This year's travel rush showcases numerous innovations, with each detail offering enhanced services and revealing significant business opportunities.
Consider the railway sector. In the past, travelers often carried heavy luggage, but this year, a "light travel" service has been introduced, covering 111 stations nationwide. This door-to-station and station-to-door luggage delivery service enables passengers to travel hands-free. By integrating passenger transport with logistics, convenience is provided to travelers while companies discover new profit streams, creating a mutually beneficial scenario.
Additionally, railways have entered the "pet economy" arena. Pet owners understand the challenge of traveling with their animals during the holiday. This year, high-speed rail pet transport services have expanded to 110 stations and 170 train routes, allowing pets to accompany their owners for family reunions. While this may seem like a minor service, it taps into a substantial market—China's urban pet consumption market reached over 310 billion yuan in 2025. Pet transport on high-speed rail not only addresses the hurdle of long-distance pet travel but also stimulates growth in related industries such as pet carriers, insurance, and transport services, potentially activating a market worth tens of billions.
In aviation, many airports have set up New Year goods markets, with some even offering food delivery services. Over 400 types of meals can be delivered directly to boarding gates, extending convenience and transforming waiting time into consumption opportunities. Airports are thus evolving from mere transit points into drivers of spending.
Road travel is equally vibrant. The number of new energy vehicle trips is expected to reach a record 380 million, presenting major opportunities for the charging industry. In Shenzhen, mobile energy storage vehicles have been deployed near expressway exits, while fast-charging stations and mobile charging robots have been added to service areas. These measures not only alleviate charging queues but also accelerate the advancement of charging technology and infrastructure, addressing range anxiety and bolstering the trillion-yuan new energy vehicle industry chain.
The rise of "reverse tourism," where parents travel to their children's cities for the holiday, is preventing major urban centers from becoming empty during Spring Festival. This trend revitalizes hotels, restaurants, and local tourism, turning the traditional off-season into a period of activity. Estimates indicate that direct consumer spending driven by this year's travel surge could exceed 1.5 trillion yuan.
These emerging trends at stations, airports, and highways collectively illustrate the dynamism and resilience of China's economy.