At 5:30 a.m., the first light of dawn casts a gentle glow over Shenzhen North Railway Station. Amid the buzz of anticipation, Wang Hui stands with her family, ready to board the inaugural high-speed train from south China's Shenzhen City to northwest China's Xi'an City, departing at 6:08 a.m.
A mother and permanent resident of the metropolis, Wang's eyes reflect a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Despite building a life in Shenzhen, her heartstrings are always pulled towards her hometown 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 shares, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead.
Nearby, another traveler, Zhong, is embarking on her journey back to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she acknowledges that the city's rapid growth hasn't diminished her feelings of homesickness during this special time.
\"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 says warmly.
The scenes at the railway station are a testament to the enduring importance of family and tradition in Chinese culture. As countless travelers like Wang and Zhong make their way back to their hometowns, the spirit of the Spring Festival comes alive through their heartfelt journeys, weaving together stories of reunion and shared heritage.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
