As dawn broke over Shenzhen North Railway Station, the bustling hub was already alive with the energy of thousands eager to return home for China's Spring Festival. At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood with her family, anticipation gleaming in her eyes as they prepared to board the first high-speed train to Xi'an, departing at 6:08 a.m.
A longtime resident of Shenzhen, Wang has built a life in the dynamic city since her university days. Yet, as she explained, the pull of her hometown remains strong, especially during this most significant of Chinese holidays.
\"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.
Nearby, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was en route to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she shared that the city's rapid growth has never diminished her homesickness during the 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.
The scene at the station is a microcosm of the nationwide travel rush that characterizes the Spring Festival, as millions journey across the country to reunite with loved ones. The festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is a time steeped in tradition, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the annual pilgrimage home is more than a journey—it's a heartfelt reconnection with roots and heritage amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
