The early morning chill did little to dampen the spirits at Shenzhen North Railway Station. At 5:30 a.m., travelers were already gathering, their faces filled with anticipation. Among them was Wang Hui, a mother traveling with her family, eagerly awaiting the first high-speed train from Shenzhen City in south China to Xi'an City in northwest China, departing at 6:08 a.m.
Despite building a life in the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, Wang Hui admits that her heart always yearns for her hometown, especially during the Spring Festival. \"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 said, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead.
Wang is not alone in her sentiments. Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for more than a decade, she shared that the city's rapid growth had never lessened her feelings of homesickness during the Spring Festival. \"I've planned this trip for a month. The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us,\" Zhong said.
This year, China's Spring Festival travel rush, known as \"Chunyun,\" is witnessing record-breaking numbers as millions of people journey home to reunite with their loved ones. The festival, which is the most important traditional holiday in China, brings with it a massive movement of people, underscoring the cultural importance of family and tradition in Chinese society.
The scenes at stations like Shenzhen North are a testament to the enduring significance of the Spring Festival. For many, it's not just about the journey home but also about reconnecting with their roots and celebrating the customs that have been passed down through generations. As Wang Hui and Zhong embark on their journeys, they carry with them the hopes and joys of family reunions, symbolizing the spirit of the Spring Festival.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
