Nation's most important festival sparks world's largest seasonal human migration; for many migrant workers, only time of year they go home to see family
BEIJING — Millions in China were boarding trains, planes and automobiles Wednesday as the Lunar New Year travel rush, the world’s largest seasonal human migration, reached its climax.
China’s most important festival falls on Friday and people were traveling to either return to their hometowns or flock to vacation destinations. For many migrant workers in the country’s industrialized east, the holiday may be the only time of year they return home to see family and friends.
Weeks before the rush, many travelers had used smartphone apps to snatch up tickets that later sold out. Some train journeys between cities and rural areas last more than 20 hours, with passengers crowded into cabins that are standing room only.
The state railway operator reported Monday that 98.
