At 5:30 a.m., the hustle and bustle at Shenzhen North Railway Station is already palpable. Wang Hui, a mother traveling with her family, awaits the first high-speed train from Shenzhen City to Xi'an City, scheduled to depart at 6:08 a.m. Despite the early hour, her eyes shine with anticipation.
A permanent resident of the southern metropolis of Shenzhen, Wang has built her life in the city since her university days. Yet, as the Spring Festival approaches, the pull of her hometown becomes irresistible.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family, but every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home,\" she says, smiling despite the long journey ahead. \"It's a time to reunite with family and cherish our traditions.\"
Nearby, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, prepares for her journey back to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she has witnessed the city's rapid growth firsthand. However, the advancements and opportunities have never lessened her homesickness during this festive season.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong shares. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us. No matter how far we've come, home is where the heart is.\"
As millions across China embark on similar journeys, the nation's transportation hubs become a tapestry of stories—of reunions long-awaited and traditions deeply rooted. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most significant traditional festival in China, symbolizing new beginnings and the importance of family unity.
The surge in travel highlights not only the cultural significance of the festival but also the advancements in China's transportation infrastructure. High-speed trains like the one Wang and Zhong are boarding have made long-distance travel more accessible, allowing more families to gather and celebrate together.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
