At 5:30 a.m., as the first light of dawn breaks over Shenzhen North Railway Station, Wang Hui stands amidst a sea of travelers. Clutching her daughter's hand, she prepares to board the high-speed train departing at 6:08 a.m., bound for Xi'an City in northwest China.
\"Despite building a life here in Shenzhen, every year as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home,\" Wang says, her eyes reflecting both exhaustion and excitement. Originally from Xi'an, Wang moved to Shenzhen for university and has since established her career and family in the bustling metropolis. \"It's important for my daughter to connect with our roots and spend time with grandparents,\" she adds.
Wang is among the millions participating in China's annual Spring Festival travel rush, or Chunyun, the world's largest human migration. This period sees an astounding surge in travel as people across the nation journey home to reunite with their families for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Nearby, Ms. Zhong waits patiently for her train to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived and worked in Shenzhen for over a decade, she shares Wang's sentiments. \"Shenzhen's rapid growth is incredible, but it has never lessened my feelings of homesickness during the Spring Festival,\" she says. \"I've planned this trip for a month. The festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
This year, with pandemic restrictions eased, a record number of travelers are taking to the rails, roads, and skies. The Ministry of Transport anticipates billions of passenger trips during the Chunyun period. For many, it's the first opportunity in years to return home without restrictions.
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most significant holiday in China. It is a time steeped in tradition, family reunions, and cultural celebrations that span thousands of years. From preparing festive meals to lighting lanterns, the festival symbolizes prosperity, unity, and hope for the coming year.
As trains depart from Shenzhen North Railway Station, the collective movement of people like Wang and Zhong underscores the enduring importance of family and tradition in Chinese society. Their journeys home are more than just travel; they are a reaffirmation of cultural heritage and personal connections that withstand the test of time and distance.
\"I'm tired but happy,\" Wang remarks as she boards the train. \"This is what the Spring Festival is all about—coming home.\"
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
