#China #Shenzhen #Cultural Heritage #Spring Festival #Chunyun

Celebrating the Spring Festival with Record Travels

As dawn breaks over Shenzhen, Wang Hui, a resident of the bustling metropolis, stands eagerly awaiting the first high-speed train destined for Xi'an, her hometown. With her family in tow, the 5:30 AM start time translates to an emotional reunion as they head home to embrace the Spring Festival—the most significant celebration in Chinese culture. Wang, while residing in Shenzhen since her university days, feels a deep connection to her roots, especially during this time of year.

"Each year, the approach of the Spring Festival rekindles a yearning for my hometown," she remarks, a smile illuminating her face despite the early hour. Her fellow traveler Zhong shares similar sentiments, having lived in Shenzhen for over a decade yet still planning her journey back to Chenzhou in Hunan province with great anticipation. "I've been preparing for this for a month. The Spring Festival brings families together and allows us to celebrate our unifying traditions," she explains excitedly.

The Spring Festival Rush

The festive period known as chunyun, which translates to Spring Festival travel peak, is now in full swing across China. This year, the travel surge commenced on January 14 and will run until February 22, lasting a full 40 days. Authorities predict an astounding nine billion travel journeys during this window, highlighting the social and cultural importance of these reunions. As of January 19, an astonishing one billion journeys had already been logged.

According to Ctrip, one of China's leading travel platforms, major cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing are primary departure points, while destinations such as Harbin and Chengdu are exceptionally popular among travelers.

Moreover, for the millions traversing vast distances to celebrate the Spring Festival, this isn't merely a journey; it's about reconnecting with cultural roots that shape individual identities. The phrase 'going home for reunion dinner' transcends beyond just physical travel; it embodies a broader movement to preserve and celebrate China's rich cultural heritage.

Emphasizing Cultural Heritage

Central to the Spring Festival experience are family reunions, which are just the beginning of a series of traditional festivities. Tasks range from shopping for festive goods, affixing Spring Festival couplets, handing out red envelopes (hongbao), igniting firecrackers, hanging lanterns, to the all-important New Year's Eve vigil (shousui), creating a vibrant tapestry of customs.

A significant cultural event is the annual Spring Festival Gala (chunwan), a four-and-a-half-hour spectacular that has been a staple of public celebrations since 1983. This year's gala, celebrated as the first since the Spring Festival became part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, intricately weaves more traditional elements into its fabric, showcasing music, dance, martial arts, and comedy.

Beyond the gala, the notion of intangible cultural heritage plays a vital role in the festival. For instance, Guo, an artisan running a cultural shop in Chongqing, has experienced a surge in demand for traditional crafts, such as paper cutting and shadow puppets. He notes, "More people are seeking unique, handcrafted gifts that reflect our heritage."

Additionally, tourism focusing on cultural experiences is flourishing, as travelers flock to learn time-honored crafts like paper cutting in Zhejiang or attend the mesmerizing lantern festival in Zigong. Notably, research from Meituan Travel suggests that interest in intangible cultural experiences—like the huohu fire pot show in Guiyang—has seen a sharp increase compared to past years.

Conclusion

This year's Spring Festival not only marks a record in travel but also a surge in cultural consumption, infusing vitality into the tourism economy and celebrating the core essence of Chinese identity. With traditions being practiced and cultural heritage celebrated, millions across the country engage in experiences that connect them to their past while looking toward the future.

For further information, visit the official news outlet at CGTN.