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Going Home for the New Year

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In China, the tradition of returning home for the Lunar New Year significantly impacts both personal lives and the economy, including GDP and stock prices. The author reflects on their own experiences during university when financial constraints prevented them from going home, leading to various ways classmates earned money, such as selling goods or working odd jobs. The cost of traveling home has risen, with train and flight expenses comparable to vacationing in nearby countries. Currently, delivery jobs offer better income compared to past work options. The author discusses strategies for saving money on travel, noting that train tickets are easier to obtain now, although concerns exist about potential cancellations due to declining ridership. Trends indicate a shift in how people approach returning home, with more opting to drive due to lower car prices, while some families are bringing elderly relatives to urban areas, reducing the number of people returning home. Overall, the cultural significance of this tradition remains strong, but it is evolving with changing economic conditions and lifestyle choices.

The Impact of China's Homecoming Culture on the Economy and Stock Market#

Introduction#

In China, returning home for the New Year is a profound cultural tradition. Regardless of wealth, people yearn to reunite with their families during the Spring Festival. This culture not only influences individual life choices but also has a certain impact on the country's GDP and stock market.

Personal Experiences and Observations#

New Year Experiences During University#

  • Economic Pressure: During university, due to financial reasons, I was unable to return home for the New Year and spent four years primarily working to support myself.
  • Summer Vacation Life: During summer vacations, due to the hot weather, I chose to play games instead of working, believing that the earnings from work were not worth the effort.

Costs of Returning Home for the New Year#

  • Transportation Costs: Traveling back from the western region by green train takes three days and two nights, costing about 600 yuan round trip. Later, I chose to fly, with costs exceeding 3000 yuan, equivalent to the price of an iPad.
  • Family Costs: For a family of three or four, the cost of returning home for the New Year may exceed 10,000 yuan, comparable to the cost of traveling to nearby small countries.

Working and Earning Money#

  • Types of Jobs: Classmates earned money through various means, such as selling phone cards, installing broadband, bringing customers to laundries, selling buns, working as internet administrators, engaging in pyramid schemes, creating websites, and game boosting.
  • Personal Reflection: The need to work for money reflects a lack of other income-generating opportunities and abilities at that time (and even now).

Current Situation#

Income from Food Delivery#

  • Income Comparison: The income from food delivery now is somewhat higher compared to the working methods of several years ago, especially for those who enjoy riding bicycles.

Money-Saving Strategies for Returning Home for the New Year#

  • Snagging Train Tickets: By choosing low-priced and appropriately timed train tickets, one can save on the costs of returning home for the New Year.
  • Friend's Experience: A friend mentioned that train tickets are easy to snag and worries that some routes may be canceled in the future due to a decrease in passengers.

Trend Analysis of Returning Home for the New Year#

  • Driving Home: With the decrease in car prices, more people are choosing to drive home, but this may not necessarily be more economical than taking the high-speed train.
  • Population Mobility: The number of people working away from home has decreased, or those who have brought their elderly relatives to the city are no longer returning home for the New Year.
  • Lifestyle Perspective: People are gradually realizing that no matter where they live, as long as there is delivery service, the differences in life are not significant.

Conclusion#

The cultural tradition of returning home for the New Year remains strong in China, but with the development of the social economy and changes in people's perspectives on life, this tradition is gradually evolving. Whether through cost-saving strategies or choosing new lifestyles, people are seeking ways to celebrate the New Year that suit them. At the same time, this cultural phenomenon also has a certain impact on the country's GDP and stock market, warranting further observation and analysis.

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