Passengers wait for their flights at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo provided by Hangzhou International Airport]

Zhejiang's 2025 Spring Festival travel season, from Jan 14 to Feb 22, has already seen passenger flows hit unprecedented highs.

In the first 22 days, 320 million cross-regional trips were recorded — a 12.2 percent increase year-over-year — making up 5.9 percent of national traffic, the second highest in China, according to the Department of Transport of Zhejiang Province.

On Feb 3, the province's airports collectively handled 283,000 passengers in a single day, setting a new record. Hangzhou International Airport alone transported 152,800 passengers, marking its busiest day ever for the Spring Festival period.

Rail travel remained a strong choice, with 16.96 million passengers opting for trains, a 2.2 percent increase from last year. To accommodate the surge, extra night trains were added, and Hangzhou's four major stations operated around the clock between Jan 20 and 27.

The rise of travel-for-leisure during the holidays, rather than traditional family reunions, fueled much of the spike.

Flights between Hangzhou and cities such as Guangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, and Harbin hit occupancy rates above 90 percent. International routes were also popular, with Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, Jeju Island, and Seoul among the top destinations.

Enhanced passenger services played a key role in smoothing the travel rush.

Hangzhou International Airport introduced overnight rest areas with recliners and sofas for passengers with red-eye or early flights. The T4 terminal now offers 17 hot shower rooms, complete with free toiletries, allowing travelers to freshen up during long layovers.