Story perspectives

Pakistan's PM Celebrates Lunar New Year with China

2/17/2026

Center

Sharif Strengthens Ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan extended New Year greetings to China to reaffirm strong ties and urge deeper cooperation, citing the Year of the Horse.
The lunar new year travel rush in China runs Feb. 2–Mar. 13 and is projected to reach 9.5 billion trips, aided by improved road-travel tracking.
Domestic travel favors tropical and winter destinations, while international interest shifts to Thailand and Russia after visa relaxations.

Right

China's Travel Surge

The Chinese New Year travel rush, from February 2 to March 13, is projected to reach 9.5 billion trips, a significant increase from 2025.
By February 10, railways had already transported over 1 billion passengers.
Domestic travel trends split between tropical destinations such as Hainan and winter sports locations like Changbai Mountain.
Internationally, interest in Thailand and Australia is rising, while Russia has become a new option following visa relaxations.

Left

China's Holiday Boost

Chinese officials project 9.5 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival to boost the economy.
This year, the holiday runs from February 15 to 23, coinciding with the Year of the Horse.
The government plans to issue over 360 million yuan in consumer vouchers to stimulate spending.
Retail sales grew 3.7% last year, underscoring five-year plan’s focus on boosting domestic demand and service sector growth, including entertainment and healthcare.

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Sharif Strengthens Ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan extended New Year greetings to China to reaffirm strong ties and urge deeper cooperation, citing the Year of the Horse.
The lunar new year travel rush in China runs Feb. 2–Mar. 13 and is projected to reach 9.5 billion trips, aided by improved road-travel tracking.
Domestic travel favors tropical and winter destinations, while international interest shifts to Thailand and Russia after visa relaxations.

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