Reunion journey of truck driver couple ahead of Spring Festival

CANGZHOU, Jan. 22 -- On regular days, truck driver Kong Lingjian and his wife Wang Yanqing mainly transport goods between Hangzhou of east China's Zhejiang Province and the areas around Wuhan of central China's Hubei Province. To save expenses, they live in their truck year-round. For the couple, the truck is their second home.

As the Spring Festival approaches, Kong and his wife felt an increasing longing to return home. "There are still a few days left until the Spring Festival; we'll earn as much as we can while we still have the chance," said Kong. After several days of searching for jobs, on Jan. 17, Kong finally secured a delivery order heading to their hometown, Zhongying Village of Cangzhou City in north China's Hebei Province. The next day, the couple spent an entire day loading the cargo and embarked on their journey home.

For truck drivers, after driving for four consecutive hours, they are required to rest for at least 20 minutes according to regulations. While driving, Kong kept his eyes firmly on the road and his hands on the steering wheel, with his wife sitting beside him as an assistant and companion.

The journey from Hangzhou to their hometown spans approximately 1,200 kilometers. After a long and arduous journey, the couple finally arrived home at noon on Jan. 20. The next day, the family shared a simple but delicious lunch together. "I hope everyone could stay safe and sound. That's the most important thing," said Kong.

By the end of December 2024, there were approximately 38 million truck drivers in China. These drivers work tirelessly on the front lines of transportation services, not only striving to make a living for themselves but also ensuring the livelihood of countless families.

Kong Lingjian (R) and his wife Wang Yanqing eat in the truck in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Kong Lingjian (L) and his wife Wang Yanqing sleep in the truck in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Kong Lingjian eats dumplings while waiting for work on the roadside in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Kong Lingjian (L) and his wife Wang Yanqing load cargo onto their truck at a company in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Kong Lingjian (R) and his wife depart from a construction site after loading cargo onto their truck in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Kong Lingjian drives on the way home from Hangzhou of east China's Zhejiang Province to Cangzhou of north China's Hebei Province on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 13, 2025 shows Kong Lingjian and his wife driving on a road in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Kong Lingjian (R) poses for a photo with his wife (L) and younger daughter in Zhongying Village of Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Wang Yanqing (L) hugs her younger daughter who waits for their arrival at the entrance to Zhongying Village of Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Kong Lingjian (C) shares a meal with his wife, parents and younger daughter at home in Zhongying Village of Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)