The Guangdong Provincial Department of Public Security distributed drones to 13 major cities with high traffic to cope with the Spring Festival rush period that began on Monday.

In addition to helping fight crime, the drones will fly over major coach terminals, ports, harbors and along busy highways to monitor traffic operations and help transportation companies handle possible emergencies during the rush period.

Li Chunsheng, vice-governor of Guangdong province, said using drones and other high-tech measures to ensure a good and sound operation of transportation during the Lunar New Year rush period is part of the Guangdong provincial government's efforts to build a digital government and smart policing to better serve local residents.

Li, who is also director general of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Public Security, urged police officers across the province to do what they can to help passengers enjoy a safe and pleasant journey back home for the most important Chinese festival. The holiday begins on Feb 5, with mass travel to hometowns in the coming weeks.

Official statistics show more than 180 million passengers will leave and arrive in the province by car, plane or boat during the period.

With a population of more than 100 million, Guangdong, a symbol of China's reform and opening up, has become the most populous region in the mainland. The province also has the country's largest number of migrant workers who come from other parts of the country.

Lu Feng, deputy director-general of the Guangdong provincial government, announced the official launch of an online platform to serve local passengers during the Spring Festival rush Period.

In addition to ticket sales, the platform also provides the latest information on flight and railway trips within the province, and allows air passengers to complete their online check-in and seat selection process regardless of airline taken.

The local meteorological bureau has also added a service where residents can make an appointment for a day they want to get the weather forecast.