Sebastien Le Belzic
If the party has been spoiled for two years by the Covid-19 epidemic, this year the Chinese have decided to defy the health restrictions linked to the virus for their New Year. At the Beijing station, travelers rush to join their families, despite the authorities’ request to limit travel.
China enters this night in the year of the Water Tiger, the Lunar New Year synonymous in the country with the largest transhumance in the world. A great Chinese version of the holidays, spoiled for two years by the epidemic. But defying the Covid-19 and to escape traffic restrictions in Beijing during the Olympic Games, many are setting sail this year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with dignity and family. Report at Beijing Railway Station.
At Beijing’s large south station, thousands of travelers are stamping their feet before going through security checks: health pass, QR tracking code and mandatory PCR test before boarding the train. The Year of the Tiger’s Eve is in a few hours. It’s the kick-off of “the Spring Festival”, the most important family reunion of the year.
An increase in travelers of more than 20% compared to 2021
Latecomers pack their bags to leave the capital as soon as possible. A decision that is not always easy to make, as explained by Li Chen, a teacher in Beijing. “Because of the Covid, I haven’t been home for two years. This year, I was still thinking about canceling my trip, but after thinking it over, I decided to take the plunge and leave Beijing. I had to do five tests to be able to return home to my family, because the rules are very strict.”
Beijing is currently experiencing its highest number of Covid-19 cases in eight months and is largely blocked by major restrictions linked to the Olympics which begin on Friday and the health bubble which encompasses 60,000 people. The town hall has asked residents to stay at home as much as possible. But travel this year is already up more than 20% from last year.