As millions of Chinese travelers embark on their annual pilgrimage home for Spring Festival reunions, a dedicated railway couple continues their unsung mission to ensure safe journeys for all. Yang Jun and Li Yanzheng, both employed at Chongqing North EMU Depot under China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., have stood guard over the world’s largest annual human migration for five consecutive years.
While passengers hurry home for family gatherings, this professional partnership maintains rigorous safety protocols at their respective posts. Li serves as a ground service mechanic, performing critical maintenance on electric multiple unit trains, while her husband Yang works as a passenger train inspector, examining rolling stock with meticulous attention to detail.
Their synchronized efforts represent countless railway workers who sacrifice personal holiday time to maintain China’s transportation backbone during the 40-day Chunyun period. The couple’s story, captured in a February 5, 2026 photograph at their Chongqing workplace, exemplifies the quiet dedication of transportation professionals nationwide.
Railway authorities estimate over 400 million passenger trips during this year’s travel rush, creating unprecedented demands on infrastructure and personnel. The couple’s dual commitment to both their marriage and professional duties highlights the human infrastructure supporting China’s massive transportation network during its most challenging operational period.