Hard but happy journey home

Wednesday marks the fifth day of the annual travel rush. The massive flow of students has been gradually replaced by migrant workers returning to their hometowns. And as the smoggy weather affected flights in many cities in central and east China, even more pressure was put on the railways.

Liu Min and her six family members, including four kids, are among the many migrant workers rushing home.

They're fortunate enough to have bought three seats twenty days before departure. Their destination is Fuyang in Anhui Province, about 600 kilometers away.

Liu Min, passenger, said:"We were sweating all the way here. We wouldn't have even gotten on the train if it weren't for the railway staff's pushing."

Buying the tickets was hard, but that wasn't the end for Liu Min and her family.

The three adults took turns sitting on the two seats and holding the four kids, while the third seat was occupied by their luggage.

The journey is tiring for this family, and for all passengers at this time of the year. To ease the experience, many have prepared beforehand: small benches to sit on, e-books to read, and even a magic cube.

For Liu Min, saving energy is most important. The 9 hour train ride is just part of the journey.

Their home is still 30 kilometers away from the train stop. They had to take a bus and another motor vehicle before finally arriving home. But at last, they were warmly greeted by their relatives and friends.

Liu Min, passenger, said:"The trip was difficult. But it's good to be home. My husband will be back in about ten days, and we'll spend the Spring Festival together."

Liu Min's father, said:"I'm so happy that they are all back. I've been worrying about their safety working far away."

By the time the family gathered at the lunch table, it had been more than 12 hours since they had started their journey. But Liu says the difficulties at work over the past year, and the exhaustion during the trip back, all disappeared in that moment.