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Christian Living

chinaconnection 01/12/09

China's Mass Migration

It's amazing what a difference perspective can make.  DC residents and authorities have been extremely distressed about accommodating an additional 2 million people for next week's inauguration.  Concerns about having enough food, hotel rooms, and even port-a-potties have been all over the headlines, as residents brace themselves for the worst./span>

While 2 million people is quite a large number, it doesn't quite compare to the 188 million people who will be traveling in China/st1 :place> over the Lunar New Year holiday.  On an average day during the holiday rush, the trains will accommodate nearly five million people, and last weekend 9.2 million people traveled by train.  As you can see from the video, the long train rides won't be fun, but for tens of millions of workers, the end result will be worth it./span>

China/st1 :country-region> has over 210 million migrant workers, many of whom can only see their families once a year.  Because of the school registration system, many have to choose between living with their children and allowing their children to receive an education.  Even if a child's father or mother is working in Beijing if they don't have official Beijing/st1 :city> papers and residency, they can only go to schools in their home districts./span>

Last year's extreme snowstorm created a huge kink in the plans of millions, since many of the trains were down, making it impossible for workers to take advantage of their only month off.  Fortunately, this year looks much more promising for many travelers./span>

After two years spent away from their families, the joy of getting home will be well worth the crowds and chaos.  /span>

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