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On a cold winter morning in south China's Guangdong Province, Su Wenxun, a migrant worker at a local factory, has already begun off what was destined to be a grueling journey home by motorcycle.
"This is the fifth time I've gone home on my motorcycle," said Su, who left home in neighboring Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region seven years ago, to seek his fortune in Foshan City.
As Spring Festival, China's biggest holiday, drew near, Su almost could see the groaning dinner table at the annual family reunion looming on the horizon.
"I could have set off five days ago," Su admitted but had been kept waiting for his salary in Foshan. His preference for travelling on a motorcycle is mainly financial.
"I can save at least 120 yuan (18 U.S. dollars) by going home by bike," he said. So with a bright smile on his swarthy face, as the drizzle comes to an end, he sets out the journey back home.
The weather did not hold. After just four hours in the saddle the road was slippery and visibility was poor. The rutted, pot-holed road was in even worse condition than last year.
"When the temperature drops my breath mists up my visor," Su explained. "I have to open it and expose my face."
Given all the adversities, Su Wenxun did not flinch a bit. Whenever he stopped for a cigarette, he always had that smile on his face.
At least he was not alone. At least 500,000 other migrant worker from Guangdong are making the same trip. With such a hugh number of travelers, there are plenty of places along the way to stop for a rest or a snack.
"I'd stop by and have some food here every time I go by," Su said with his perennial grin, and a bowl of hot porridge in hand.
"Home!" Su pointed to his small house in the distance, with joyous laughter and no sign of weariness off the journey. After 30 hours on the road, Su is finally home in the small village in Chongzuo, Guangxi.
For Chinese people, nothing is more important than a family reunion during Spring Festival. For Su, this was the moment that made all his efforts on the road worthwhile.
"I'm fine with all the hard work for my family," said Su, who was gathering dry woods for his parents soon after he got home. Talking about his resolutions as the New Year approaches, family came out top again.
"Hopefully I'll be able to build a new house for my family," Su said with a firm look in his eyes, despite his limited income and much more difficulties lying ahead.
"It's the family and dreams that drive me along." Enditem
