At 5:30 a.m., the bustling Shenzhen North Railway Station is already alive with activity. Wang Hui, a mother and long-time resident of Shenzhen, stands amidst the crowd with her family, eagerly awaiting the first high-speed train to northwest China's Xi'an City. The train departs at 6:08 a.m., but despite the early hour, Wang's eyes shine with anticipation.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family here,\" she shares with a warm smile. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Similarly, Ms. Zhong, another traveler amidst the throng, is heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province. After more than a decade in Shenzhen, she still feels a deep connection to her roots.
\"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.\"
This year, China's Spring Festival sees a record-breaking number of travelers as millions journey home to reunite with loved ones. The mass migration, known as \"Chunyun,\" is not just a logistical marvel but a testament to the enduring importance of family and tradition in Chinese culture.
High-speed trains, such as the one Wang and Zhong are boarding, have revolutionized travel across the country, making distant hometowns more accessible than ever. The convergence of advanced infrastructure and deep-rooted customs creates a unique atmosphere during the festival period.
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most significant holiday in China, marked by family reunions, feasting, and cultural festivities. For many like Wang and Zhong, it's an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and pass down traditions to the next generation.
\"Shenzhen is a city of dreams and opportunities,\" Wang reflects. \"But home is where our stories began. Returning during the Spring Festival keeps those stories alive for our children.\"
As the train prepares to depart, the station buzzes with the collective excitement of countless others making similar journeys. This annual homecoming underscores the values of unity and continuity that lie at the heart of Chinese society.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
