At 5:30 a.m., Shenzhen North Railway Station buzzed with activity as passengers eagerly awaited their trains. Among them was Wang Hui, a mother and permanent resident of the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen. Despite having built a life in the city since her university days, Wang felt the familiar tug of home as the Spring Festival approached.
\"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 said, smiling despite the early hour and the long journey ahead. She was boarding the first high-speed train to Xi'an City in northwest China, which departs at 6:08 a.m.
Another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she shared that the city's rapid growth had never lessened her homesickness during the Spring Festival. \"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.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most significant holiday in China. It prompts one of the world's largest annual human migrations, as millions of people journey back to their hometowns to reunite with family and celebrate. This year, the travel rush has reached record-breaking numbers, reflecting both the easing of travel restrictions and the enduring importance of family ties.
For many like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is more than just a physical trip; it's a return to roots and traditions that have shaped their identities. The shared anticipation and collective movement of people across the country highlight the cultural significance of the Spring Festival.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
