Spring Festival warmth rides the rails of China's high-speed trains

Window decorations printed with the words meaning safety and happiness adorn a train's carriage in Hebei, Feb. 9, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

China is entering into its busiest travel season—the Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, a 40-day period often described as the world's largest annual human migration—with billions of trips carrying millions of travelers homeward or toward holiday escapes. Yet, on the Beijing–Harbin High-Speed Railway (HSR), the joy of the Spring Festival is not only the destination, but also the journey, unfolding across every carriage. 

For seven consecutive years, Liu Shan, a chief conductor of the Beijing-Harbin HSR, has organized special festive activities that bring the holiday magic to life. This year she invited travelers to cut window grilles and print the Chinese character "Fu," which means fortune, bringing personality and the holiday atmosphere to the carriages.

Liu Shan, a chief conductor of the Beijing-Harbin HSR, prints the character "Fu" with young passengers on a train, Hebei, Feb. 9, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

"We want passengers to feel warmth, care and a sense of belonging throughout their journey, especially during Spring Festival, when family reunions are most cherished," Liu said. "Traditional customs like paper cutting instantly bring out the festive atmosphere and help passengers connect with each other. We hope to turn the train into a 'home on wheels.'"

Liu's team is known for its personalized and people-centered service. All members have undergone professional training and embrace the service philosophy Liu describes as "shaping service with the heart and delivering it through action."

Liu Shan, a chief conductor of the Beijing-Harbin HSR, prints the character "Fu" with young passengers on a train, Hebei, Feb. 9, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

Apart from the festive activities, the crew also provides special care for travelers. Passengers heading home receive Spring Festival convenience kits containing couplets, hand warmers and basic medical supplies. Families traveling with infants are offered baby beds, while elderly passengers receive one-on-one assistance throughout boarding and disembarking.

For many travelers, improved services and efficiency have reshaped their Spring Festival experience. Passenger Sun Dandan, who travels with her child, said high-speed rail has become her first choice.

"Compared with traditional trains or flights, high-speed rail is much more convenient and time-saving," Sun said. "The comfort, speed and onboard services have all improved significantly, which makes traveling with children much easier."

A Chinese auspicious character design composed of words meaning good fortune and prosperity printed by young passengers on a train, Hebei, Feb. 9, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

While helping others reunite with their families, Liu herself will remain on duty throughout the Spring Festival. Like many railway workers, she will not return home for the holiday.

"Although I can't spend the festival with my family, seeing passengers' smiles and hearing their joyful conversations when they arrive safely is a special kind of Spring Festival for us," she said.

Having worked in China's railway system for more than 20 years, Liu has witnessed the rapid development of the country's Spring Festival transport network. On the Beijing-Harbin route alone, the number of operating high-speed trains has increased from 6.5 pairs to 52.5 pairs, easing ticket shortages. With sections now operating at 350 kilometers per hour, what was once a long, painful trip has become a swift journey, making same-day round trips and quick reunions possible.

A young passenger on her way to Harbin for travel with her mother shows off her own red paper decoration on a train in Hebei, Feb. 9, 2026. [Photo by Zhang Yuxin/China.org.cn]

Liu noted that service has also become more precise and inclusive, with better support for special groups and stronger emergency plans for extreme weather and peak travel periods.

"These changes reflect not only the strength of China's railway infrastructure, but also its commitment to putting people first," she said.

As high-speed trains continue to grow and travel across the country, carrying millions through the Spring Festival travel rush, the warmth of reunion, tradition and care is traveling right alongside them, turning each journey into a celebration.