A total of 10.49 million people are expected to pass though Zhanjiang during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush from January 21 to March 1. 

The number of passengers traveling by air is forecasted to increase by 35 percent to 369,000, and the number of those traveling by water is expected to rise by 3 percent to 3.86 million.

The number of people traveling by water is likely to rise by 3 percent to 3.86 million this year in Zhanjiang. [Photo/oeeee.com]

About 765,000 travelers are expected to travel by rail, and 5.5 million by road, representing year-on-year decreases of 0.3 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

This year's seven-day Spring Festival holiday runs from Feb 4 to 10, starting with Lunar New Year's Eve. Hundreds of millions of Chinese return to their hometowns every year during the Chinese Lunar New Year to reunite with their families. Peak travel times are usually on the holiday's first and last days.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese return to their hometowns every year during the Chinese Lunar New Year to reunite with their families. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to provincial meteorological authorities, the average temperature in Zhanjiang will rise slightly, but some low temperatures, rainy weather, poor visibility and wet roads are still likely during the Spring Festival travel rush.

Zhanjiang will spare no effort in accommodating the surging number of travelers, with contingency plans being formed, transport capacity being increased and safety considerations being made.