At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowd at Shenzhen North Railway Station, awaiting the first high-speed train to Xi'an City in northwest China. Departing at 6:08 a.m., this train symbolized more than just a journey—it was a bridge back to her roots during the Spring Festival.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" Wang said, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and excitement. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Wang is not alone. Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was returning to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Despite living in Shenzhen for over a decade, the city's rapid growth hasn't diminished her longing for her hometown during this special time.
\"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.\"
This year's Spring Festival has witnessed a record-breaking number of travelers, as millions journey across the country to reunite with loved ones. The surge in travel reflects not only the importance of family in Chinese culture but also the nation's advanced transportation infrastructure, making long-distance travel more accessible than ever.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most significant traditional festival in China. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating the arrival of the new year with cultural activities such as lion dances, fireworks, and traditional feasts.
Shenzhen, a metropolis known for its technological innovation and rapid development, becomes a gateway for countless travelers like Wang and Zhong during this period. The city's railway stations are filled with stories of people eager to reconnect with their heritage and loved ones.
\"No matter how long I've been away, home is where my heart is,\" Wang mused. \"The journey might be long, but it's worth it.\"
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
