Migrant workers make up the bulk of passengers during China's Spring Festival travel rush. And buying a ticket is never easy. But no matter the difficulty, nothing can stop their anxious hearts looking forward to a family reunion.

A tough journey, but filled with warmth. - Shao Quanjie's destination is Fuyang, in the northwest of Anhui province .

Together with his wife and two children, Shao wants hard seat tickets. They go to the Beijing West Railway Station nearly 4 hours in advance, but all that's left is standing room only.

1 o'clock in the afternoon. Boarding time for train L295 - Somewhere near the door is the best spot for those who will stand all the way home.

Experience has taught Shao well. Boarding a train in the Spring Festival Rush is never easy, especially with children.

Shao Quanjie said, "Come inside, come inside, just sit here and rest for a while. Is that ok, my son?"

25 minutes after ticket check, the train starts to move, heading for home. Attendants are busy with the luggage, to ensure passenger safety.

A lot of young people offer theirs seats to the children near them - an act of kindness that lasts all the way.

"My child has been standing too long, and she is tired. The young man sitting next to us offered his seat to my girl. I really appreciate it."

Shao's children also get seats from warm-hearted passengers, which puts their father at ease. Four hours into the journey, it's dinner time. And the attendants are busy providing hot water.

L295 is an old train. Water must be boiled manually. A train worker said, "It takes nearly an hour to boil the water on the train. There are so many passengers on board that providing hot water is difficult."

A place near the boiler becomes very popular. As night falls, the toughest time comes. There's no comfortable position for sleeping.

The good news is that their destination is around the corner. By 3:30 a.m., Shao's family reaches Fuyang, packing their bags and ready to go. Leaving the tough journey behind, Shao feels warmth in his heart, because home is right there, waiting ahead.

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