It's the largest annual human migration in the world. With the Chinese New Year approaching, China's busiest travel season, known as "Chunyun", officially starts today. Our reporter Lin Nan went to Shanghai Railway Station; one of the busiest transport hubs in the country, to see what the scene was like.
With Chinese New Year’s Eve just two weeks away, millions are keen to board their trains to get home in time for the family dinner. Yu Zewu and Ni Shan have been working in Shanghai for a year now. And they can’t wait to get home to be with their families in Shanxi Province.
"It is nice to see and join in the development of big cities. Shanghai is a first-tier city with many opportunities. I want to enjoy the adventures here when I am young."
Getting a foothold in this city is not easy and the young couple will get married in this holiday.
"I feel more secure and less lonely with her than being on my own, as I am drifting away from home." Hotel worker Yu Zewu said.
They have wrapped up their wedding photos carefully, and will take them home, hoping their families will share in the joy.
"I spent over 3000 Yuan on wedding photos. It is a once in a lifetime thing for me and I wanted to do it well. I took this one at Waibaidu Bridge, one of Shanghai’s landmark." Hotel worker Ni Shan said.
Just a train ride away from home, the couple are looking forward to the reunion with family.
"I have been longing for this moment for a long time. I am going through a host of feelings now." Ni said.
"I hope that I can do better at work next year, because it is the fundamental of our new life here." Yu said.
Nearly 260 million passengers are expected to take trains during this year’s “Chunyun”.
"Just like this couple, millions of Chinese have left their hometowns to work in the cities to realize their dreams and have a better future. Now, after a year of hard work, it is finally time for them to go back home and reunite with their families."