At 5:30 a.m., the bustling Shenzhen North Railway Station is alive with anticipation as travelers embark on journeys to reunite with loved ones for the Spring Festival. Among them is Wang Hui, a mother and long-time resident of Shenzhen, who awaits the first high-speed train to Xi'an City, departing at 6:08 a.m.
\"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,\" Wang said, her eyes reflecting both excitement and nostalgia.
Despite building a life in the metropolis, Wang's heart remains tied to her hometown. \"It's a feeling that never fades. The traditions, the family gatherings—they are a part of who I am,\" she added.
Another traveler, Zhong, is heading back to Chenzhou in Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she expresses a similar sentiment. \"The city's rapid growth has never lessened my homesickness during the Spring Festival,\" she shared. \"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.\"
As millions across the Chinese mainland make their way home, this year's Spring Festival marks a record-breaking surge in travel. The annual migration highlights the enduring importance of family and tradition in Chinese culture.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
