Shenzhen, China — At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowd at Shenzhen North Railway Station, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and excitement. She and her family were about to board the first high-speed train heading from south China's Shenzhen City to Xi'an City in the northwest, departing at 6:08 a.m.
A mother and a long-time resident of the metropolis, Wang has built a life in Shenzhen since her university days. Yet, as the Spring Festival approaches each year, the call of her hometown becomes irresistible.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" Wang said, smiling despite the early hour. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was making her way back to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she echoed Wang's sentiments about the enduring allure of home 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.\"
Shenzhen, one of China's fastest-growing cities, is a hub for countless migrants who have moved here in pursuit of opportunities. Yet, the annual Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, sees millions embarking on journeys back to their hometowns in what is often dubbed the world's largest human migration.
The festival is not only a time for family reunions but also a cultural feast filled with traditional customs, food, and celebrations that hold deep significance in Chinese society.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is a cherished ritual, a bridge between their modern lives in the city and their roots.
\"Despite the city's rapid growth and the opportunities here, nothing compares to the warmth of family during the Spring Festival,\" Wang mused.
As trains departed and families embarked on their journeys, the spirit of the Spring Festival permeated the air, marking a time of unity, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
