Homeward Bound: The Spring Festival's Magnetic Pull on China's Travelers
At 5:30 a.m., the predawn calm at Shenzhen North Railway Station is broken by the buzz of excited conversations and the rolling of suitcases. Wang Hui, accompanied by her family, waits patiently to board the first high-speed train from Shenzhen City to Xi'an City, departing at 6:08 a.m.
For Wang, a mother and permanent resident of the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, the journey back to her hometown is an annual ritual she eagerly anticipates. \"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" she shares, her eyes reflecting the warmth of fond memories. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Despite the early hour and the long journey ahead, Wang's smile never falters. The Spring Festival is the most significant traditional holiday in China, prompting a massive migration as people return to their hometowns to reunite with family.
Among the throng of travelers is Ms. Zhong, who is heading back to Chenzhou in Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she acknowledges the city's rapid growth but admits that nothing diminishes her homesickness during this festive season. \"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong says. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
The scenes at Shenzhen North Railway Station are mirrored across the country as millions embark on journeys vast and small. The migration underscores the enduring significance of family and tradition in Chinese culture, even amidst rapid modernization and urbanization.
As the train to Xi'an prepares to depart, Wang Hui takes a final glance at the city that has become her second home. \"Shenzhen has given me so much,\" she muses. \"But home is where the heart is, especially during the Spring Festival.\"
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
