The biggest annual human migration is currently underway in China. With almost 3 billion trips expected during the 40-day Lunar New Year period – 2.5 billion by road, 356 million by train, 58 million by air, and 43 million by boat – it’s a sight to behold, even when captured on a graph.
Here are trains preparing to take people home from Wuhan city.
As interesting as the mass exodus is what they leave behind, cities emptied of people and eerily reminiscent of a zombie apocalypse.
Here’s Shanghai nine days after the virus spread – I mean – spring migration started.
22 Jan 2017 – Eastday
22 Jan 2017 – Eastday
22 Jan 2017 – Eastday
Beijing’s famous landmarks are also left standing in an ominous quiet.
22 Jan 2017 – News 163
22 Jan 2017 – News 163
Apart from the space, the departure of swathes of humanity can also herald more glimpses of blue sky, as less business and traffic helps tamp down on air pollution.
New Year’s Day is the only time to experience a huge city like Beijing at its most deserted. Ever wanted to see the world through the eyes of post-apocalyptic heroes like Robert Neville (I Am Legend), Alice (Resident Evil), or Jim (28 Days Later)? Short of a trip to one of China’s ghost cities, this is as good as it gets.
As for tourists, is this a good time to be visiting Beijing? The tourist spots may be crowded by locals vacationing, and many shops are closed for Day 1 and 2. However those looking for culture can join the crowds at the many temple fairs for traditional food, handicrafts and performances. Just avoid travelling immediately before or after the public holiday (Jan 27 – Feb 2) as you’ll be competing with everyone journeying away from or back to the city.
Vincent Tan
