Hua'er, did you see the news? The highways were jammed again this National Day, and the service areas were filled with people eating instant noodles—it was like an army of 'instant noodle people.'

I saw a lot of videos too. Everyone was squatting by their cars eating instant noodles, like an impromptu picnic. But isn't the birth rate going down? Why are there still so many people?

It looks crowded because everyone is traveling at the same time. There are very few long holidays in China, so when there is one, it's a 'nationwide migration.' Naturally, it's packed everywhere.

Yeah, and many people from central and western regions work away from home and can only go back to reunite with family during the holidays. When everyone moves at once, traffic jams are unavoidable.

You're right. Actually, this scene reflects the urban-rural gap. There aren’t enough industries back home, so young people have to work elsewhere and only rush back during holidays. When hometowns develop more, maybe fewer people will need to leave.

Exactly. So every time I see crowds on the highways, I feel like it's not just a traffic issue—it's a snapshot of social development.

Yes, behind the holiday bustle, there’s the helplessness and homesickness of migrant workers.

I hope in the future, traveling won't mean 'forced collective action,' but people can have more diverse and relaxed choices.