At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowds at Shenzhen North Railway Station. Alongside her family, she awaited the departure of the first high-speed train from Shenzhen to Xi'an, scheduled for 6:08 a.m. Despite the early hour, her eyes shone with the anticipation of returning home for the Spring Festival.
A resident of Shenzhen since her university days, Wang has built a life in the thriving metropolis. \"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 shared, her smile reflecting the warmth of the season.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a time when millions across China journey back to their hometowns to reunite with family and celebrate deep-rooted traditions. This year, travel records are being shattered as people embrace the opportunity to reconnect after prolonged periods of separation.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was en route to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she echoed Wang's sentiments about the significance of family during this festive period. \"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 said.
Despite Shenzhen's rapid growth and the opportunities it offers, the emotional ties to one's hometown remain strong. For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is not just about distance but about rekindling familial bonds and honoring cultural heritage.
As trains and buses fill with eager travelers, the spirit of the Spring Festival permeates the air. It's a cultural feast where traditions are celebrated, stories are shared, and the tapestry of Chinese society is woven tighter through these moments of unity.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
