As the first light of dawn breaks over the city of Shenzhen, the bustling halls of Shenzhen North Railway Station are already filled with travelers eager to reunite with their families for China's most important holiday, the Spring Festival.
Among them is Wang Hui, a mother and permanent resident of the metropolis. At 5:30 a.m., she stands patiently with her family, waiting to board the first high-speed train to Xi'an, which departs at 6:08 a.m.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family here,\" Wang explains, her eyes reflecting both excitement and nostalgia. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
For Wang, the journey is more than just a trip; it's a pilgrimage back to her roots in northwest China's Xi'an City. Despite having built a life in Shenzhen, the traditions and familial bonds of her hometown beckon irresistibly each year.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, echoes this sentiment. Heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, she has lived in Shenzhen for over a decade. Yet, the city's rapid growth and modern allure have never diminished her feelings of homesickness during the Spring Festival.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong shares, her voice filled with anticipation. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
The scenes at the railway station are a microcosm of the massive annual migration that characterizes the Spring Festival season. Millions across the Chinese mainland embark on journeys, short and long, to reunite with loved ones, turning the holiday into one of the world's largest human movements.
This year, the enthusiasm seems even more pronounced, with record-breaking numbers of travelers embracing both the journey and the destination. The blend of modern transportation like high-speed trains and the timeless desire for reunion paints a vivid picture of contemporary China—a nation deeply rooted in tradition while advancing rapidly into the future.
As Wang Hui and her family board their train, the excitement is palpable. \"It's not just about going home,\" she says. \"It's about passing on our heritage to our children and keeping our cultural traditions alive.\"
The Spring Festival, rich with customs and family gatherings, offers a cultural feast that resonates with people across the country and beyond. For many like Wang and Zhong, it's a time to reconnect, reflect, and rejuvenate the ties that bind.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
