At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood at Shenzhen North Railway Station with her family, eagerly awaiting the departure of the first high-speed train to Xi'an City in northwest China. The train would leave at 6:08 a.m., marking the beginning of a long journey back to her hometown.
Despite building a life as a permanent resident in the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, Wang's heart always longs for home during the Spring Festival.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" she shared with a warm smile. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Nearby, Ms. Zhong prepared for her trip back to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, the city's rapid growth hasn't diminished her feelings of homesickness 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.\"
This scene is replicated across the country as countless travelers embark on journeys to reunite with loved ones. The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China, prompting a massive annual migration as people flock back to their hometowns.
The excitement and anticipation are palpable, with train stations buzzing and tickets in high demand. It's a time when the distances of modern life shrink, and the warmth of family and tradition takes center stage.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
