Stationmaster's last rush: A career spanning China's railway growth and innovation

The world's largest annual human migration — the Spring Festival travel rush in China — came to an end on Saturday. As the curtain fell on this grand spectacle, the railway transportation system once again set multiple records.

For Wang Youni, a stationmaster on duty at Beijing West Railway Station, this travel rush was both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary because she had experienced countless travel seasons throughout her career. Extraordinary because it marked her last Spring Festival travel rush before retirement.

A Career Spanning Decades of Change

Wang, 50, has been a steadfast figure in China's railway industry for 29 years. She began her journey in 1996 at the age of 21, working at Beijing South Railway Station for a decade before transferring to Beijing West Railway Station. Now, as the stationmaster on duty at one of China's busiest transportation hubs, Wang oversees critical responsibilities—ensuring smooth passenger flow, handling emergencies and complaints, and coordinating with departments such as ticketing, security, and maintenance.

This year's Spring Festival travel rush, also known as Chunyun, began on Jan 14 and concluded on Saturday. A record-breaking 510 million trips were expected during the 40-day period, with Beijing West Railway Station handling approximately 5.23 million passenger trips, according to Li Chao, deputy head of the station. Amidst this massive migration, Wang's role was indispensable.

On Jan 21, Wang patrolled the station as usual. Walking through the station's lengthy corridors, she was frequently stopped by passengers with a variety of inquiries — from locating waiting rooms to understanding train schedules. No matter how simple or complex the questions, Wang responded with patience and professionalism, embodying the warm service spirit that has defined her career.

Having held various passenger-facing roles over the years, including ticket sales and ticket checking, Wang gained in-depth knowledge of passenger needs. This experience has allowed her to excel in her current role with expertise and empathy.