At 5:30 a.m., Shenzhen North Railway Station buzzed with the energy of early travelers eager to make their way home for China's Spring Festival. Among them was Wang Hui, a mother and permanent resident of the bustling metropolis, waiting to board the first high-speed train to Xi'an, departing at 6:08 a.m.
\"Despite building a life here in Shenzhen, I always yearn for my hometown, especially during the Spring Festival,\" Wang said, her eyes reflecting both excitement and nostalgia. \"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.\"
The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is a time when millions across the nation embark on journeys to reunite with their families, embracing age-old traditions and the warmth of home. This annual migration sees trains, buses, and planes packed with travelers like Wang, sharing the common goal of celebrating with loved ones.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she has witnessed the city's rapid growth firsthand. Yet, the advancements and opportunities have never diminished her feelings of homesickness during this festive season.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong shared. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us. No matter how advanced the city becomes, home is where the heart is.\"
The scenes at the station are a testament to the enduring importance of family and tradition in Chinese culture. Travelers of all ages carry gifts and luggage, braving early mornings and long journeys to ensure they are home in time for the festivities.
As the train to Xi'an prepared to depart, Wang Hui looked forward to reuniting with her parents and reliving cherished childhood memories. \"It's about passing down traditions to my own children,\" she said. \"I want them to understand where they come from and feel the same connection to our heritage.\"
The Spring Festival not only brings families together but also infuses cities and towns across the country with vibrant celebrations, traditional performances, and a shared sense of joy and renewal.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
