As an alternative to railway and airline transportation, Jiaduobao Group and eHi Car Service are offering 2,000 free and discounted rental cars for netizens around the country during the Spring Festival travel period.

More than 80 types of cars are available for rent, with original prices ranging from 50 yuan ($7.94) to 300 yuan per day.

The promotion offers discount coupons to applicants who register on the Jiaduobao website or follow its Weibo account and wait for a lottery draw. The deadline for applications is Feb 8.

Wang Yuegui, a manager with Jiaduobao, said the campaign will start a new way to travel, alleviate pressure on public transportation and encourage the use of environmentally friendly cars.