The Spring Festival travel rush in China has already begun, and with the holiday just around the corner, the flow of travelers is expected to reach its peak. We spoke to a train station ticket clerk in Shanghai who's becoming an online sensation for her extraordinary speed and service. Cao Chufeng has more.
Meet You Yuan, a ticket clerk at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station with super speedy hands.
CAO CHUFENG Shanghai "Look how fast her hands are moving! And what's even more impressive? She doesn't even use a mouse! My eyes are spinning just watching her work."
"Just business class, second class is sold-out. Or Shanghai South Station."
She's also fluent in English, able to provide service to international customers.
MATUKU MUNASHE PIOUS Traveler from Zimbabwe "I would say she is the best, because here service is very professional and very perfect."
You Yuan recently gained unexpected fame online, with videos showcasing her lightning-fast typing and fluent English going viral across social media platforms. Despite the attention, she remains remarkably calm in the face of her newfound popularity.
YOU YUAN Ticket Clerk, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station "This is just part of my daily work, and I didn't expect to receive so much recognition and appreciation from so many netizens. I've been working for around 10 years, and we've also experienced large passenger flows. Back then, during peak times, you had to move quickly."
You Yuan says years back, during the spring festival travel rush, she was able to issue up to 1500 tickets a day. But such speed is no longer a requirement, with self-servicing stations, digital tickets and online ticket sales now commonly used in China. However, her job has now become more complex.
YOU YUAN Ticket Clerk, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station "In the past, our counters were solely for ticket sales and refunds, but now you can see that we offer a one-stop service for a variety of requests. There weren't as many foreign travelers needing assistance back then. But since the visa policies were relaxed and more travelers have arrived, we have to communicate effectively with them."
A total of nine billion domestic trips are expected for this year's spring festival travel rush. Transportation networks across the country are ready.
CAO CHUFENG Shanghai "In a country like China, with the world's second-largest population and economy, it's no surprise that exceptional talent emerges from even the most ordinary jobs. As the saying goes, 'Mastery lies among the people.' Cao Chufeng, CGTN, Shanghai."