At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowds at Shenzhen North Railway Station. She was preparing to embark on the first high-speed train from south China's Shenzhen City to northwest China's Xi'an City, departing at 6:08 a.m.
A mother and permanent resident of the metropolis, Wang has built her life in Shenzhen since university. Yet, as the Spring Festival approaches each year, the pull of her hometown becomes irresistible.
\"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,\" she said, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she shared similar sentiments. \"I've planned this trip for a month. The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us,\" Zhong said.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most significant traditional festival in China. It prompts one of the largest annual human migrations, as millions journey home to reunite with their families. This year, the travel rush is expected to break records, with people eager to reconnect after challenging times.
Train stations across the country are witnessing unprecedented crowds. Shenzhen North Railway Station has added extra trains to accommodate the surge of passengers. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as travelers carry gifts and luggage, ready to share stories and meals with loved ones.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is not just about distance but about returning to roots and traditions. The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating cultural heritage with festivities like fireworks, lion dances, and exchanging red envelopes.
\"No matter how far we've come or how big the city we've settled in, home is where the heart is,\" Wang mused before boarding her train. \"The Spring Festival reminds us of the importance of family and tradition.\"
As trains whisk passengers across vast landscapes, they carry the hopes and joys of millions reuniting with their families, reaffirming the enduring significance of the Spring Festival in China's cultural tapestry.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
