Workers switch from motorcycles to rail

Migrant workers in Guangdong province had to endure long, uncomfortable motorbike rides when they returned to their hometowns in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Guizhou province for Spring Festival in previous years

Now, however, they can make the journey quickly and in style following the opening of two high-speed railway lines linking the two regions with Guangdong - provided they are lucky enough to obtain tickets.

"In the past, when there were no high-speed railways, many of my friends had to go back home by riding motorcycles during the peak travel time," said Ma Yunian, a migrant worker from Mashan county in Guangxi.