Spring exodus shows need for hukou reform

With the curtain rising on the Spring Festival peak travel period, the largest human migration in the world is under way. But for many of those planning to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families the journey home is proving to be harder than ever.

In a span of 40 days, prior to and after the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, an unprecedented 3.1 billion trips will be made throughout China - by road, railway, water and air.

Millions upon millions of migrant workers will spend time and money trying to purchase a train ticket home. They are willing to endure any hardship to be reunited with their families after a year of hard work away from their homes and even standing room only will do.