Domestic travel surged for the 2026 New Year holiday, with flights from Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai to destinations such as Sanya, Haikou, Kunming, Guangzhou, Changbai Mountain and Harbin seeing rapid booking growth. Authorities and transport operators have issued safety reminders and service updates to help travellers plan a safe and orderly trip.
China travel safety guide
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has urged travellers to heighten winter travel safety awareness and to avoid participating in high‑risk projects beyond their capability. Officials stressed that safety is the foundation of a pleasant holiday and advised travellers to take simple but effective precautions before and during outings.
For snow and ice activities, helmets, knee pads and wrist guards are recommended standard equipment. Participants in water activities must wear certified lifejackets correctly at all times. When considering high altitude or aerial experiences such as skydiving or helicopter sightseeing, travellers should read safety instructions carefully and assess their physical condition before booking.
Crowd safety at popular sites
Many scenic spots will experience dense visitor flows during the holiday. The guidance encourages people to assess entry points and avoid areas that appear overcrowded. Visitors should note ground directional signage, identify emergency exits and keep broadcast safety announcements in mind. Detecting unusual smoke or burning odours requires immediate vigilance and reporting.
If a crowd crush occurs, remain calm and avoid moving against the flow or sitting down, which increases the risk of trampling. Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded not to enter undeveloped or unofficial tourist routes, and to steer clear of privately operated or unregulated “viral” attractions. Observing forest fire prevention rules is essential, including forbidding open flames, barbecues and smoking in high risk areas.
Fireworks and public displays
Many people will mark the New Year with fireworks. The national standard classifies fireworks by hazard level and advises ordinary consumers to choose category C and D products. Fireworks must be ignited in open areas after clearing flammable materials, and they are strictly prohibited near transport hubs, power facilities, schools, hospitals, elderly care homes, forests and any government-designated no‑fire zones.
Organisers and individuals should remember that so‑called cold sparklers and handheld pyrotechnics can reach nozzle temperatures of 700–800°C and can cause severe burns or ignite nearby materials if handled carelessly.
Transport and timetable changes
Railway holiday transport began on 31 December 2025 and runs until 4 January 2026. National railways expect to carry 77.8 million passengers over the period, with 1.2 thousand daily passenger trains on average and 270 additional long‑distance services. Extra overnight high‑speed services operate on several busy routes including Beijing West to Shenzhen North and Shanghai Hongqiao to Guangzhou South.
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for station entry and screening, carry only authorised items, and travel strictly according to the start and end stations printed on their tickets. Plan journeys in advance and check official channels for real‑time updates to avoid unnecessary delays.
Travellers should balance their plans with a sober assessment of risk, use protective equipment for high‑risk activities, obey venue staff and safety signage, and give priority to public safety when celebrating the holiday. Following these measures will help ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year break.
Key Takeaways:
- China travel safety guide: practical precautions for winter sports, water activities and crowd management.
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism issues reminders to avoid high‑risk activities and wear protective equipment.
- Strict fireworks rules and railway capacity increases aim to keep the holiday safe and mobile.
