As China’s monumental Spring Festival travel rush commenced in early February 2026, a dedicated team of railway maintenance professionals worked through the night to ensure the safety of the nation’s high-speed rail network. At an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in Tianjin, team leader Li Qiwei directed over 40 technicians performing comprehensive inspections on 28 bullet train sets.
The maintenance facility operated at peak capacity on February 1st, with workload volumes exceeding typical operations by approximately 20%. This intensive preparation period directly preceded the Chunyun season – China’s annual mass migration phenomenon that represents the largest periodic human movement globally.
Li Qiwei, an eight-year veteran of the maintenance depot, has progressed from recent graduate to competent team leader since earning his vehicle engineering degree from Dalian Jiaotong University. His team’s overnight shift involved meticulous ‘health checkups’ on the technologically advanced trains, examining every critical system to guarantee both safety and punctuality for the millions of passengers depending on rail transport during the holiday period.
Speaking about his responsibilities, Li expressed pride in contributing to the safe operation of bullet trains that facilitate family reunions across China. His sentiment reflects the broader dedication of railway workers who maintain the infrastructure enabling this cultural tradition, working behind the scenes while much of the country travels homeward for Spring Festival celebrations.