Railway Couple Joins Forces for 11th Spring Festival Travel Rush

Chongqing- In the bustling world of China’s railway system, Zhou Xing and Qi Yue form an extraordinary team. One is a train conductor, the other a railway police officer, yet the couple rarely sees each other despite their shared workplace.
This year marks their 11th Spring Festival travel rush together. They continue to dedicate themselves to ensuring the safe and comfortable journeys of countless passengers.

On January 17, 2025, Zhou Xing was on the platform, waiting for passengers to arrive. (Photo/Hu Yong)
On January 18, the fifth day of the 2025 Spring Festival travel rush, Chongqing West railway station was a hive of activity. At 4:25 p.m., the station was packed with travelers, the loudspeaker’s safety announcements blending with the chatter and laughter of people and the rolling sound of luggage to create a lively symphony of the season. Volunteers moved through the crowd, offering assistance to those in need.
“Little one, hold on tight and don’t run around,” Zhou Xing, the conductor, called out as she guided passengers through the throng, answering inquiries and directing them to their carriages. Meanwhile, 680 kilometers away, her husband Qi Yue was on duty aboard the T10 train traveling from Chongqing West to Beijing West railway station.

On January 17, 2025, Qi Yue assisted the passenger with her luggage. (Photo/Hu Yong)
Zhou is a conductor with the Chongqing Passenger Transport Section of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd., while Qi is a police officer with the Chengdu Railway Public Security Bureau’s Chongqing Public Security Division. Together, they have been on the front lines of the Spring Festival travel rush for 11 years.
“Although we both work on the railway, we rarely cross paths,” Zhou said. Their schedules often conflict, with one returning home just as the other is leaving. As a result, they plan their family gatherings around the few days when both have time off, making those moments especially precious.
“For us, it doesn’t matter if we celebrate on Chinese New Year’s Eve. What matters is being together as a family and enjoying each other’s company,” she added.
Since joining the railway in 2014, the couple has quietly contributed to it from their respective positions. Qi has honed his skills through years of grassroots work at various railway police stations, conducting thorough fire and anti-terrorism drills during his shifts.
His meticulous attention to detail has helped ensure years of safe train operations, with no major accidents recorded. In the crowded carriages, he patiently reminds passengers to keep their belongings safe and stay vigilant, reflecting his deep care for their well-being and unwavering commitment to safety.

On January 17, 2025, Qi Yue and Zhou Xing were on duty together, arriving at Chongqing West railway station. (Photo/Hu Yong)
Zhou, on the other hand, focuses on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for passengers on high-speed trains. From maintaining cleanliness to providing attentive service, she strives for excellence in every detail. She promptly addresses passenger needs and questions with a warm smile and offers extra care to the elderly and families with children.
This Spring Festival travel rush, the couple continues their dedication to safeguarding the journeys of millions.
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