China faces a growing loneliness crisis amid fast modernisation. Over 9 billion trips take place during the Lunar New Year, offering brief family reunions. Yet, many migrant workers remain lonely. They move far from home for work but cannot access local social benefits due to the hukou system. This forces families apart, with spouses and children often living in different cities or provinces. Research by Gallup in 2023 shows loneliness in China at 23%, similar to India and South Korea, but higher than Japan at 14%. The 996 work culture, demanding long hours, also limits social life. Yet, Japan and South Korea, with similar work pressures, report less loneliness because of laws limiting work hours and better social support. China’s vast size and the hukou system mix to deepen loneliness. Coastal cities offer high healthcare and benefits only to locals, leaving migrants isolated. Youth feel lonelier than older adults, and inland provinces with fewer migrants may see different loneliness levels than richer coastal areas. Social reforms on healthcare, labor rules, and hukou are needed. But experts say bottom-up efforts from civil society groups are also vital. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and the Nordics show that volunteer and community networks help reduce loneliness. China’s loneliness is the social cost of its fast growth and incomplete social systems. For now, the Lunar New Year journey offers a short break from isolation for many workers, but the loneliness remains a heavy burden as the nation moves forward.