China's Spring Festival: A Record-Breaking Journey and Cultural Celebration

The Spring Festival in China: Cultural Roots and Travel Frenzy

Every year as the Spring Festival approaches, millions of Chinese people embark on journeys that signify more than just travel; they represent a reconnection with family and cultural heritage. This year's festival, known as Chunyun, has been marked by an unprecedented surge of travelers as families reunite to celebrate the most significant holiday of the year.

At 6:00 AM on a chilly January morning, Mrs. Wang Hui stood at the North Station in Shenzhen with her family, waiting for the first high-speed train to Xi'an. She shared, "Even though I've built my life here in Shenzhen since college, I feel a strong pull towards my hometown during the Spring Festival." Her smile belied the early hour and the lengthy journey ahead. Similarly, another traveler, known as Chung, was heading back to her hometown of Chen Zhou in Hunan Province after living in Shenzhen for more than a decade. Despite the city's rapid development, she expressed a deep longing for her roots, saying, "The Spring Festival is all about family togetherness and cherishing traditions that bind us."

As travel season began on January 14 and runs until February 22—spanning 40 days—Chinese authorities estimated a staggering 9 billion journeys across the country. By mid-January, over 1 billion interregional trips had already taken place.

Notably, the majority of travelers hail from China's first-tier cities, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Hangzhou, with popular destinations such as Harbin, Chongqing, and Chengdu seeing significant footfall.

However, the Spring Festival signifies more than mere travel for millions; it's about reconnecting with cultural identities that are central to the festivities. As they return home for the celebratory dinner, they engage not only in physical travel but also in a larger movement to preserve and honor China’s rich cultural heritage.

Embracing Cultural Heritage

Central to the Spring Festival is family reunion, accompanied by an array of time-honored traditions. Key customs include purchasing seasonal goods, hanging paper strips on windows and doors for the festival, distributing red envelopes, setting off fireworks, and staying awake for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A highlight of the Spring Festival is the Chunwan, an annual televised gala that has been a staple since 1983. The four and a half-hour program features a dazzling array of performances including songs, dances, operas, comedic sketches, and martial arts. Notably, this year's show marks its first inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, showcasing even more cultural elements.

Besides the grand gala, various aspects of the festival highlight the importance of intangible cultural heritage. For instance, in Chongqing, a local artisan named Kuo reported a significant rise in sales of items such as paper cuttings and shadow puppets as more people seek unique, handcrafted gifts that reflect their heritage.

Moreover, the travel sector has flourished, particularly in areas known for technological advancements in information and communications. From learning traditional paper-cutting in Zhejiang Province to enjoying lantern festivals in Kunming, people flock to destinations that offer rich cultural experiences.

According to Meituan Travel, one of China's leading online service platforms, searches for intangible cultural heritage experiences, such as enjoying the hot pot performance in Guiyang, skyrocketed compared to previous years.

This year’s Spring Festival, characterized by record travel volumes during Chunyun, not only highlights the sheer number of travelers but also signifies a booming interest in cultural consumption. This witness a vibrant tourism market that invigorates the national economy, showcasing the deep cultural ties Chinese people maintain with their heritage.

For further details, visit CGTN News.