At the break of dawn, Shenzhen North Railway Station buzzes with anticipation. Among the early travelers is Wang Hui, a mother and long-term resident of the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen. Clutching her ticket for the 6:08 a.m. high-speed train to Xi'an, she smiles despite the early hour.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university,\" Wang shares. \"I have my own family here now, but every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most significant traditional holiday in China. It's a time when millions journey across the country to reunite with loved ones, honoring customs passed down through generations.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, is headed to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she finds that the city's rapid growth hasn't diminished her yearning for home during this special time.
\"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 mass migration, often referred to as the world's largest annual human movement, sees trains, planes, and buses filled to capacity. For many, it's not just a journey across distances but a passage back to one's roots.
Despite the challenges of travel, the sentiment shared by Wang, Zhong, and countless others highlights the enduring importance of family and tradition in modern China. As the trains depart and the miles to home decrease, hearts swell with the anticipation of reunions, shared meals, and the warmth of familiar celebrations.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
