As China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, sends hundreds of millions back home, many railway employees are moving against the tide. Our photographer visited the Guangzhou Electric Multiple Unit Depot, one of the country’s largest hubs for train inspection, maintenance, and emergency response, and witnessed their dedication firsthand.

Working overnight after the last train, depot staff often labor from 7 pm to 9 am or later during peak season, performing meticulous inspections and deep cleaning to ensure the next day’s safe operations.

They are part of a nationwide force of 2 million railway employees. From station attendants and conductors to engineers and cleaners, their coordinated efforts keep the railways running smoothly throughout this busy time.

READ MORE: Over 140m train tickets sold for Spring Festival travel rush

This year’s chunyun period began on Feb 2 and will run for 40 days until March 13. A record 9.5 billion passenger trips are projected nationwide during this window. As a critical transport artery, the railway network is expected to handle 540 million trips — a 5 percent increase over last year, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Fueled by an extended nine-day holiday, the surge in travel is supported by an optimized railway schedule. With 22 new lines and around 560 additional daily trains, more people than ever are being connected to their hometowns.

On just the first day of chunyun alone, China Railway Guangzhou Group handled an impressive 1.9 million trips. At major hubs like Guangzhou South Railway Station, one of the country’s busiest, trains depart every 50 seconds during peak hours.

This page is a tribute to the countless front-line workers who remain steadfast at their posts, ensuring a safe and smooth journey home for millions — and helping to make the Spring Festival a happy and joyful occasion for all.