China’s mass migration, which is often described as the world’s largest annual migration of people, was expected to hit a record high on Friday (February 5) two days before the eve of Lunar New Year.
People, dragging luggage and carrying bags on their shoulders, rushed to the Beijing Railway Station to catch trains, making their way back home.
The 40-day travel frenzy surrounding the week-long Lunar New Year holiday began on January 24 this year, and will last until March 3.
During this period, the estimated total volume of passengers is expected to reach more than 2.91 billion, up by 3.6 percent year-on-year, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner.
China’s state television CCTV reported a record 8.45 million travellers across the country taking the train on Thursday (February 4) while the number is expected to hit 8.5 million on Friday.
Passengers expressed their eagerness to go back home and celebrate with their families.
“To be honest, when I walked to the Beijing Railway Station, I was very clear that I will get together with my family very soon. We haven’t seen each other for a year. Frankly speaking, I feel very warm. The parents, who gave birth to us and raised us, have been doing so much for us, so I feel so nervous when I’m thinking about reunion at home. I can’t wait to seeing them now, really,” said 19-year-old Meng Fei, who is from eastern China’s Anhui province.
“I have been working away from (home) for two or three years. I go home once a year. I have child and parents at home. I do want to go back home to celebrate Lunar New Year with them. For Chinese people, there is only one Lunar New Year in a year. As long as we are together and happy, everything is fine then,” said 27-year-old Dai Yong, who is from north-eastern China’s Liaoning province.
Festivities in China this year will get underway on February 7, the eve of the Year of the Monkey when Chinese people eat a big meal with families and let off fireworks in the streets. (Reuters)