BEIJING, China — Millions of Chinese have begun the annual exodus for the Lunar New Year, the world’s largest annual human migration, leaving major cities to return to their hometowns for the holiday. The most important holiday in the Chinese calendar places great emphasis on family reunions, and travelers must get home by Monday to usher in the Year of the Pig the following day. ADVERTISEMENTAt Beijing Railway Station early on Wednesday, thousands were milling around in the cold, wrapped up in thick coats and wheeling their luggage. They included a group of children with brightly colored bags emblazoned with cartoon characters, a stark contrast to the dark, wintry morning. Rail operators expect some 413 million trips during this year’s holiday season, up 8.3 percent from a year ago, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 30, 2019 07:29 UTC