The journey home for most travellers during the Spring Festival travel rush may be a less than smooth ride. And none less so for those who have to travel more than 5,500 kilometres. From China’s southeastern city Guangzhou, a group of Tuvan students have embarked on a trek home across China - to Kanas in the northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

54 hours travel by train. And this is how their journey starts. Making up nearly one percent of its total population, these twenty Tuvan students are regarded as the future of Tuva people. Studying tourism and hospitality management in Guangzhou, they know they are shouldering great responsibilities in building their hometown.

A Tuva student said, "I want to go back to my hometown when I graduate from here. Many of my families and friends are still living there. They love us very much, and more importantly, they need us. The reason why we came to this school is because we want to make ourselves knowledgeable, so as to build a more beautiful hometown."

Home is nearing, and with it, their growing yearning for the loved ones they left behind for so long. The words may not be understood, but everyone around can feel his longing for a family reunion.

The long travel distance meant they didn’t bring any fresh food along. Instant noodles and biscuits are all they can have on the train.

The first day on the train brought excitement. But exhaustion has taken over as their journey enters into the third day.

To cheer up the group, the train attendant proposes for everyone to join in singing a song. It’s a long journey. But no matter the obstacles, its destination is home. The joyful song reminds the students of their beautiful hometown.

And finally, they arrive in Urumchi, the final stop for the train. But this is not the end of the journey. After a brief rest, they’re to move on to their next leg of gruelling travel by bus. The journey ahead is tough, but they don’t feel any fear. For this means one step closer to their loved ones.

vivi笔记：

Spring Festival travel rush：春运
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region：新疆维吾尔自治区
tourism and hospitality management：旅游与酒店管理
family reunion：家庭团聚
Instant noodles：方便面
train attendant：列车员

口译备考之看英语视频练复述系列>>