The 2025 Spring Festival travel rush is set to begin on January 14 and will last until February 22, marking a 40-day period of intense movement as millions journey home or embark on festive travels. Dongguan expects to see approximately 20.74 million passengers during this period, reflecting a slight increase from last year. This immense volume highlights the importance of careful planning and preparation for a safe and efficient travel experience.  

This year's earlier-than-usual Spring Festival has led to overlapping travel waves of students returning home, workers reuniting with their families, and residents visiting relatives. The pre-festival travel peak is expected to occur between January 18 and 20, while the post-festival return peak will likely take place from February 3 to 6. 

Notably, approximately 76.35% of Dongguan's migrant workers plan to return to their hometowns, with popular destinations including Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi, Sichuan, Jiangxi, and Henan, as well as other parts of Guangdong Province.

Rail travel

Rail travel continues to dominate long and mid-range journeys. Dongguan's train stations will operate 626 trains daily, an increase of 86 compared to last year. 

Special temporary trains to high-demand destinations such as Jiangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, and Henan will be available, with 72 temporary trains departing from Dongguandong Railway Station during the rush.  

Train tickets for Chinese New Year's Eve journeys go on sale starting January 14. Passengers are encouraged to book tickets early to secure their preferred travel times.

Road travel

Beyond rail travel, the rising popularity of private cars and ride-hailing services offers greater flexibility for short-distance trips. To ensure safety and comfort during this hectic period, the city has launched a series of supportive measures. 

Twelve travel service points across Dongguan will offer traffic management and assistance for travelers, including resting areas, drinking water, and first-aid supplies. These stations will also monitor key transit points, such as highway entrances and major intersections, to maintain order and address any emergencies promptly.

Metro

Dongguan Metro Line 2 will operate on an updated schedule during the rush, with peak-time intervals reduced to 6 minutes and extended service hours.

Air travel

For air travelers, Dongguan Airport Terminals will provide convenient connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau airports, with online ticket booking and route updates available through the city's dedicated WeChat platform.