Two kids show some Spring Festival couplets and the Chinese character fu – meaning happiness and luck – in the waiting hall of Xi'an Railway Station in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, on Jan 7. This year's Spring Festival travel rush began on Jan 7 and will end on Feb 15, lasting 40 days. It is the first since China optimized its COVID-19 management and eased restrictions on travel. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

On the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush on Jan 7, passengers haul their luggage and prepare to board a train at Xi'an Railway Station, on their way home. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

A member of staff at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport helps passengers. The airport has upgraded its services and added smart devices to ensure that every passenger returns home safely. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Passengers line up in an orderly manner at the T3 terminal in Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, to undergo security checks. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]