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China’s Spring Festival: A Cultural and Travel Extravaganza

As dawn breaks and the clock strikes 5:30 AM, a wave of anticipation envelops the North Railway Station in Shenzhen. Among the throng of eager travelers, Wang Hui stands with her family, poised to board the first high-speed train to Xi'an, a city that holds her childhood memories. Despite having established her life in Shenzhen, the upcoming Spring Festival rekindles a familiar yearning for her homeland. "I've lived in Shenzhen since college, but as the Spring Festival approaches every year, I find myself missing home," she reflects, her smile radiating warmth against the early morning chill.

Wang is not alone in her travels. Another passenger, Zhong, heads back to her hometown of Chenzhou, Hunan, after a decade of living in the bustling metropolis. "I planned this journey a month ago. The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and honoring the traditions that connect us," she shares passionately.

The Joy of Travel During Spring Festival

Across China, the travel rush associated with the Spring Festival, termed 'chunyun,' is in full swing. This annual phenomenon sees millions embarking on lengthy journeys to reunite with their families for the most significant holiday of the year. This year, the travel period commenced on January 14 and will last until February 22, spanning a demanding 40 days. Authorities anticipate a staggering nine billion interregional journeys during this period. By January 19, the count had already surpassed one billion, showcasing the overwhelming desire to return home.

Most travelers originate from first-tier cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Hangzhou, with popular destinations including Harbin, Chongqing, and Chengdu. For many, the Spring Festival represents much more than family gatherings; it embodies a profound connection to cultural roots. As they move toward home for the celebratory dinner, travelers actively participate in a larger movement aimed at preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of China.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage

While family reunions are a crucial element of the Spring Festival, they represent only the beginning of the festivities. The importance of upholding numerous traditions is equally paramount. Activities such as purchasing Spring Festival-related goods, affixing auspicious couplets, distributing red envelopes (hongbao), lighting fireworks, hanging lanterns, and celebrating the New Year's Eve (shousui) are all integral customs.

A highlight of the festivities is the Spring Festival Gala (chunwan), a televised program that has captivated audiences since 1983. This four-and-a-half-hour extravaganza blends singing, dancing, opera, skits, wordplay contests, martial arts, and acrobatics. As the first gala since the festival was designated as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, this year's event will incorporate even more cultural heritage elements.

Beyond the gala, intangible cultural heritage takes center stage in various aspects of the holiday. In Chongqing, a cultural store managed by a man named Guo has reported an increase in sales of traditional items like paper-cutting arts, shadow puppetry, and New Year's decorative paintings. "More and more people are seeking unique, handmade gifts that reflect our heritage," Guo remarks, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.

Tourism centered around intangible cultural heritage is also booming. Whether it’s learning traditional paper-cutting in Zhejiang or enjoying the Lantern Festival in Zigong, people are flocking to destinations that offer engaging cultural experiences. This trend is mirrored in travel bookings, with regions known for their cultural heritage witnessing a significant rise in tourist interest. Data from Meituan Travel, one of China’s leading online service platforms, reveals that searches for intangible cultural heritage offerings, such as fire shows (huohu) in Guiyang and the Lantern Festival in Zigong, have surged fivefold and doubled, respectively, when compared to previous years.

This year’s Spring Festival not only draws an unprecedented number of travelers but also ignites a cultural consumption boom, propelling a dynamic tourism market and providing a significant boost to the national economy. As families and individuals immerse themselves in the traditions and celebrations, they embrace an enriching journey that transcends mere travel, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural roots and history.

For more information, visit CGTN News.