China
2021.02.10 20:55 GMT+8

Food packages from afar trigger nostalgia during a Spring Festival away from home

Updated 2021.02.10 20:55 GMT+8
By Huang Yue

Zhang Hongwei, 31, was busy unpacking a parcel from his hometown in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

The 31-year-old has been working in Beijing for more than five years. But this is the first time he'll be staying in the capital city for Lunar New Year, a traditional time for family reunion.

"My parents and grandparents are all there, so I would go back home every year to spend the Spring Festival with them. But this year, things are different because of the pandemic, which really bummed me out," Zhang said.

Zhang's gloom was swept away upon receiving piles of packages that were filled with all kinds of foods from his hometown.

"They sent us beef, mutton, pork, sausages, mushrooms. And the most important one is the giant fish you just saw. Fish is a must-have dish for dinner on New Year's Eve. It's a symbol of prosperity for the New Year," said Zhang.

Many people, just like Zhang, are stuck in Beijing, but still have the chance to enjoy flavors from home thanks to packages like what Zhang had received. 

Twenty-one-year-old Zhang Chang said her heart was filled with joy as she stuffed her refrigerator with some hometown specialties.

"I didn't expect to receive so much food. Now I can really have a feast on New Year's Eve. And, more importantly, the warmth of family accompanies these foods," she said.

Beijing has also rolled out measures to ensure those who stay in the city can enjoy the festival, including issuing shopping coupons and ensuring the normal operation of supermarkets and major commercial complexes remains unchanged.

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