The annual mass migration puts intense pressure on China's transport networks. The country's transport authorities, are making every possible preparation, ahead of the New Year.

It's often said that the country's Spring Festival travel is the largest annual human migration in the world. With half the nation's population expected to travel, the next 40 days will be the busiest for the transport industry.

During a press conference, the national development and reform commission estimated that 2.85 billion trips will be made during the holiday season, that's an 11.6 percent rise from last year. But so far, the railways have been running smoothly.

Wang Zhiguo, Vice Railway Minister, said, "In the past three days, 14.92 million railway trips were made, with a 17% increase over the same period last year. The number of passengers have increased faster and more fiercely so the rail industry will be tested during this peak season. We must deal with this situation scientifically to ensure the safe and smooth running of our transport systems."

According to vice transport minister, Feng Zhenglin, freezing weather in southern China is likely to disrupt travel and transportation plans for many, with cold temperatures continuing throughout January.

Feng Zhenglin, Vice Transport Minister, said, "We are doing the best we can to ensure roads are kept clean. We also set up a joint warning response system with the National weather Center so we can promptly launch emergency plans to deal with problems."

Nevertheless, the freezing weather cannot stop those who are eager to go home. In the west railway station in Beijing, many are buying tickets and setting off on their journeys.

Passenger, said, "I'm here to get a ticket home. Because I study at university, I can only go back home twice a year. So visiting my parents in spring festival means a lot to me."

The spring festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival for families. That's why here people are still lining up to get a ticket home. This (holding a ticket in hand) may look like just a tiny piece of paper, but what it represents is the hope of millions going home.

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