At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowds at Shenzhen North Railway Station, her eyes reflecting both exhaustion and excitement. Clutching her ticket for the first high-speed train to Xi'an City in northwest China, departing at 6:08 a.m., she smiled as she thought of home.
Despite building a life in the metropolis of Shenzhen, Wang Hui, a mother and permanent resident, finds herself yearning for her hometown each year as the Spring Festival approaches.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family here,\" she shared. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Not far from Wang Hui, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, waited patiently for her train to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she echoed Wang's sentiments.
\"The city's rapid growth and opportunities are incredible,\" Zhong said. \"But the Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
Both women are among the millions of travelers making their way across China to reunite with loved ones during the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. The festival is the most important traditional holiday in China, marked by family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural celebrations.
This year, the travel rush is anticipated to break records, with people journeying from major cities back to their hometowns. High-speed trains, planes, and buses are filled with passengers carrying gifts and the anticipation of reunion.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is more than just a physical trip; it's a return to roots and a time to reconnect with family heritage.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong added. \"The Spring Festival is not just a holiday; it's a time to reflect, to honor our traditions, and to strengthen family bonds.\"
As the announcement for boarding echoed through the station, Wang Hui gathered her belongings. \"No matter where we go or how far we are, home is always in our hearts,\" she said before heading towards the platform.
The spirit of the Spring Festival continues to bring families together, highlighting the enduring importance of tradition and connection in the rapidly modernizing landscape of China.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
