Blizzards and freezing rain have brought massive disruption to China’s peak Lunar New Year travel rush, leaving drivers stuck in cars on icy highways and passengers struggling to rebook canceled trains and flights.
The severe winter weather comes as Chinese travelers make an estimated record 9 billion trips during the notoriously busy 40-day “chunyun” period, when millions of urban workers brave crowded stations and huge traffic jams to return to their hometowns for the celebrations, also known in the country as Spring Festival. Sections of 90 major highways impacted by snow and ice were closed across China as of Tuesday morning, according to state-affiliated Beijing News.
Among those determined to celebrate with loved ones was Tang Zitao, a used car dealer in Hubei, who was trapped in his vehicle overnight while driving home. Speaking to CNN Monday as he waited for snowbound traffic to start moving, Tang said what was usually a six-hour journey had already taken 24 hours. “This journey has been too long, and it is indeed torture,” said Tang, who was bundled in a down jacket and, unlike some around him, had come well-prepared with food and water.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Festive Fashion Campaigns to Usher in the Lunar New YearFrom Boss' dragon-themed capsule collection to Bottega Veneta's panoramic campaign starring actress Shu Qi, find out how brands merge auspicious celebrations with their house's creative direction.
Read more »
20 Vibrant & Engaging Books About Chinese New Year That Kids Will LoveFly into the Year of the Dragon with these vibrant books that teach kids all about the celebrations and traditions of Chinese New Year!
Read more »
NASA Tests New Spacecraft Propellant Gauge on Lunar LanderA NASA-developed fuel measurement technology, the Radio Frequency Mass Gauge, will be demonstrated on a journey to the Moon.
Read more »
Police: 47-year-old man broke into Rochester home, raped 14-year-old girlRochester, N.Y. A man faces charges after he allegedly broke into a home on the city's northeast side, kidnapped a 14-year-old girl and raped her.Police said Ke
Read more »
IRS Issues New Alert on 5 Things You Must Declare on Your Taxes This YearDigital destination for sophisticated men & women. Live your best life with expert tips and news on health, food, sex, relationships, fashion and lifestyle.
Read more »
37 Things to Do in the DC Area This Week: Black History Month Events, Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies at Kennedy Center, and Lunar New Year Family FestivalThe website that Washington lives by.
Read more »