At 5:30 a.m., Wang Hui stood amidst the bustling crowd at Shenzhen North Railway Station, her eyes reflecting both fatigue and excitement. Alongside her family, she awaited the first high-speed train departing at 6:08 a.m. from the southern metropolis of Shenzhen to the historic city of Xi'an in northwest China.
A permanent resident of Shenzhen since her university days, Wang has built a life in the vibrant city. Yet, as the Spring Festival approaches each year, the familiar pull of her hometown becomes irresistibly strong.
\"I've been in Shenzhen since university, and now I have my own family,\" Wang shared with a warm smile. \"But every year, as the Spring Festival approaches, I can't help but feel the pull of home.\"
Wang is among millions of travelers embarking on the annual journey home for the Spring Festival, a time when families reunite and traditions are celebrated. The festival, steeped in history and cultural significance, sees record-breaking travel across the country.
Nearby, another traveler, Ms. Zhong, was heading back to her hometown in Chenzhou, Hunan Province. Having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade, she has witnessed the city's rapid growth firsthand. However, the advancements and opportunities have never diminished her feelings of homesickness during this festive season.
\"I've planned this trip for a month,\" Zhong said, her eyes reflecting anticipation. \"The Spring Festival is when you want to be with family and embrace the traditions that connect us.\"
The scenes at Shenzhen North Railway Station are a microcosm of the nationwide movement, as people from all walks of life begin their journeys home. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important cultural celebration in China, marked by family gatherings, traditional meals, and various customs passed down through generations.
As the first light of dawn broke, the departure board illuminated with countless destinations, symbolizing not just physical journeys, but reunions of hearts and souls. For travelers like Wang and Zhong, the journey home is more than a trip; it's a return to roots and a celebration of shared heritage.
With suitcases in hand and hearts full of expectation, millions will traverse the vast stretches of the Chinese mainland, reuniting with loved ones and keeping the spirit of the Spring Festival alive.
Reference(s):
China's Spring Festival: Record-breaking travel, cultural feast
cgtn.com
