Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong is handling this year's 40-day Spring Festival travel rush with the help of sci-tech innovation and upgraded services, improving millions of passengers' travel experience.

China's 2026 Spring Festival travel rush started on Monday, 15 days ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 17 this year. The festival is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck.

The Baiyun airport's newly built Terminal 3, which began operations in October 2025, is handling the Spring Festival travel rush for the first time.

Over the 40-day period, the airport is expected to handle more than 10.5 million passenger trips, averaging over 260,000 passenger trips per day, up 11.77 percent year on year.

During the period, around 65,700 flights are projected to take off and land at the airport, with a daily average of 1,643 flights, representing an increase of 8.45 percent year on year, making it one of the busiest Spring Festival travel seasons on record.

The operation on day one of the travel rush appeared relatively calm, thanks in part to the scientific and technological innovation. Dozens of smart machines have been installed at the new terminal, allowing passengers to complete almost the entire boarding process through self-service: from check-in, bag drop, to even security checks.

Passengers traveling in groups of ten or more can call for a group conceige service, which will guide them through the boarding process, reducing the waiting time to the minimum.

Beyond efficiency, the airport is offering a more enjoyable travel experience. An outdoor observation deck allows passengers to watch planes take off and land, while nearby facilities include an orchid garden and even a marriage registration office, where newlyweds can officially collect their licenses.

Festive elements add to the holiday atmosphere as well. A Spring Festival fair has been set up at the airport, selling flowers and local snacks, alongside lively singing and dancing performances for travelers.