At 5:30 a.m., the pre-dawn hush of Shenzhen North Railway Station is broken by the eager footsteps of travelers like Wang Hui. With her family by her side, Wang waits to board the first high-speed train bound for Xi'an, departing at 6:08 a.m. Despite having built a life in the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, the call of her hometown grows stronger each year as the Spring Festival approaches.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" Wang shares, her eyes reflecting the excitement of the journey ahead. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Thousands share Wang's sentiment, embarking on journeys across China to reunite with loved ones during the most important traditional festival of the year. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is a time when familial bonds are strengthened and age-old traditions are celebrated.
Among the crowd is Ms. Zhong, heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she describes how the city's rapid growth hasn't diminished her longing for home during this special time.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong says with a smile. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
The annual migration, often referred to as the world's largest human movement, sees millions traversing the country. High-speed rail networks, like the one from Shenzhen to Xi'an, have made these journeys faster and more accessible, yet the essence remains unchanged—the desire to reconnect.
As trains depart and families are reunited, the spirit of the Spring Festival shines brightly, weaving together personal stories of nostalgia, journey, and homecoming across China.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
