At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowd at Shenzhen North Railway Station. With her family by her side, she awaited the first high-speed train departing at 6:08 a.m. from south China\u2019s Shenzhen City to northwest China\u2019s Xi\u2019an City.
A mother and a long-time resident of the metropolis, Wang Hui has built a life in Shenzhen since her university days. Yet, the approaching Spring Festival stirred familiar feelings within her.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" she shared, a gentle smile softening the early morning fatigue. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Nearby, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was preparing for her journey back to Chenzhou in central China\u2019s Hunan Province. Having called Shenzhen home for over a decade, the city's rapid growth and endless opportunities hadn't diminished her longing for family traditions.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong said, her eyes reflecting both excitement and nostalgia. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
This scene is mirrored across the nation as millions embark on what is often called the world's largest annual human migration. The Spring Festival, a time-honored tradition celebrating the Lunar New Year, sees families reunite, traditions renewed, and a cultural feast unfold across the Chinese mainland.
Railway stations, airports, and highways are witnessing record-breaking numbers as people from all walks of life journey home. For many like Wang and Zhong, it's more than just travel\u2014it's a pilgrimage to their roots, a reconnecting with family, and a celebration of heritage.
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, the train's departure signaled not just the beginning of a physical journey but also the emotional voyage back to familial bonds and cherished customs. The Spring Festival continues to be a poignant reminder of the importance of home, unity, and the timeless traditions that define Chinese culture.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
