Passengers walk on the square in front of the Changsha Railway Station in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 21, 2009. [Long Hongtao/Xinhua]

A migrant worker said, "We previously didn't plan to go home. But the child's grandma just died recently, so we have to go back. We weren't able to return home last year because of the snowstorm that paralyzed the rail network."

Some have found enterprising ways to make themselves as comfortable as possible on the train. Barrels like these are considered a convenient choice as they can serve as a container for baggage or a seat to sit on. This couple is heading for their hometown in Henan province, 18 hours away.

Another said, "We have no other choice. We need to go home. Both our elderly relatives and our children are waiting for us at home."