At 5:30 a.m., the atmosphere at Shenzhen North Railway Station is electric. Among the throngs of travelers is Wang Hui, a mother and permanent resident of the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen. She stands patiently with her family, awaiting the 6:08 a.m. departure of the first high-speed train bound for Xi'an City in northwest China.
Despite having built a life in Shenzhen since her university days, Wang's heartstrings are tugged homeward as the Spring Festival approaches. \"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,\" she shares, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Not far from Wang, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, is preparing for her journey back to Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Having called Shenzhen home for over a decade, she too feels the irresistible draw of family and tradition during this special time. \"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,\" Zhong explains.
As trains fill and stations buzz with activity, China's Spring Festival travel rush—often dubbed the world's largest annual human migration—is in full swing. Millions are embarking on journeys across the country, eager to reunite with loved ones and celebrate the Lunar New Year together.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is more than just a trip; it's a cherished tradition that underscores the importance of family and cultural heritage. The surge in travel not only highlights the enduring significance of the Spring Festival but also showcases the advancements in the Chinese mainland's transportation infrastructure, making long-distance travel more accessible than ever.
As the sun rises, the high-speed train departs, carrying with it the hopes and joys of countless families. The echoes of laughter and the warmth of reunion await them, heralding a prosperous and harmonious new year.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
