As dawn breaks over Shenzhen North Railway Station, the air is filled with anticipation and the hum of activity. At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stands amidst the bustling crowd, her eyes reflecting both excitement and nostalgia. She's about to embark on a journey aboard the first high-speed train from Shenzhen to Xi'an, departing at 6:08 a.m., to reunite with her family for the Spring Festival.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family here,\" Wang Hui shares with a warm smile. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Wang Hui, a mother and long-time resident of Shenzhen, embodies the sentiments of millions who traverse vast distances during this season. Despite the vibrant life she has built in the metropolis, the traditions and familial bonds of her hometown remain a cherished part of her identity.
Nearby, Ms. Zhong waits patiently for her train to Chenzhou in Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she reflects on the city's rapid growth and how it hasn't diminished her yearning for home during the festive season.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong says, her eyes shining with anticipation. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
The Spring Festival, known as the Chinese New Year, is the most significant holiday in China, prompting what is often called the largest annual human migration. This year, with eased travel restrictions and a collective eagerness to reunite after periods of separation, the nation is witnessing a record-breaking travel surge.
High-speed trains, such as the one Wang Hui is boarding, symbolize the incredible advancements in China's transportation infrastructure, making distant hometowns more accessible than ever before. For many like Wang and Zhong, these journeys are more than just physical travels; they are passages back to their roots and traditions.
The festival is not only a time for family reunions but also a cultural feast, with customs that have been passed down through generations. From preparing traditional meals to honoring ancestors, these practices hold a profound significance for those returning home.
As the train announcements echo through the station, Wang Hui gathers her belongings, ready to embark on the long journey ahead. \"No matter how far we go or how much life changes, home is where our stories begin,\" she says before disappearing into the sea of travelers.
The heartfelt homecomings of people like Wang Hui and Ms. Zhong highlight the enduring importance of family and tradition in China's rapidly evolving society. As the Spring Festival ushers in a new year, it also rekindles the timeless bonds that connect people across distances and generations.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com