The latest cold snap has hindered travel plans for millions of Chinese returning home for the Spring Festival holiday. Dozens of highways have been closed, forcing railways to cope with a surge in passengers during the Spring Festival travel peak.

 

44 highways in seven provinces have been closed because of the icy conditions. North China's Shanxi Province has been one the worst affected regions. Police there are patrolling highways and guiding motorists through hazardous sections.

A driver in Shanxi Province, said, "I am returning to my hometown in Fujian Province. Shanxi Province's police officers are very kind to help us."

The Ningxia Highway is normally used by 160-thousand passengers each day. But heavy snow has forced many bus services to be canceled across parts of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

An Jinzhong, Director of Ningxia Road Trams. Administration, said, "If the poor weather persists, the night and early morning long-distance buses will be canceled for safety. We have ordered all buses to be fixed with tire chains and all drivers to reduce their speed on highways."