At 5:30 a.m., the hustle and bustle at Shenzhen North Railway Station in south China's Shenzhen City is a testament to the mass migration of people journeying home for the Spring Festival. Among the throngs of travelers is Wang Hui, patiently waiting with her family to board the first high-speed train departing at 6:08 a.m. to northwest China's Xi'an City.
A permanent resident in the metropolis of Shenzhen, Wang Hui has built a life far from her hometown. Yet, the call of the Spring Festival stirs deep feelings of nostalgia.
\\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family here,\\" Wang shared, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead. \\"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\\"
Similarly moved by the festive season is another traveler, Ms. Zhong, who is heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she has witnessed the city's rapid growth firsthand. However, the advancements have never diminished her yearning for home during this special time.
\\"I've planned this trip for a month,\\" Zhong said. \\"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\\"
The scenes at Shenzhen North Railway Station are mirrored across the country as millions embark on what's known as the world's largest annual human migration. The Spring Festival travel rush, or \\"Chunyun,\\" is a significant phenomenon where people journey vast distances to reunite with their families, honoring age-old traditions and celebrating new beginnings.
This year, record-breaking numbers are anticipated as technological advancements in China's transportation infrastructure have made travel more accessible. High-speed rail networks, like the one connecting Shenzhen to Xi'an, have significantly reduced travel times, enabling more people to make the journey home.
Beyond the personal stories of Wang and Zhong, the Spring Festival represents a cultural feast where customs are celebrated and familial bonds are strengthened. From sharing lavish meals to setting off fireworks, the festival is a time of joy, reflection, and hope for the coming year.
As dawn breaks, Wang Hui and her family board the train, joining countless others on their journey home. The rhythmic hum of the train symbolizes not just the physical movement across the country but also the enduring spirit of unity and tradition that defines the Spring Festival.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
