The local Zhangjiagang government invites new settlers and their families to reunite before the Spring Festival holiday in Zhangjiagang on Jan 14. [Photo/zjg.wenming.cn]

Spring Festival is often a mixture of joy and sorrow for Chinese people, as it’s a great time for family reunions. People traverse jam packed railway stations and experience long travel days to reunite with their loved ones.

New settlers in Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province, however, no longer needed to travel all the way back home, as the local government has invited their parents to the port city on Jan 14.

Marking the fourth time the family reunion activity has taken place in Zhangjiagang, this year's event attracted more than 100 people from 22 families.

A volunteer teaches how to make wonton at the family reunion activity held on Jan 14. [Photo/zjg.wenming.cn]

Upon seeing their families, the new arrivals could not stop smiling. "This is the first time I will celebrate Spring Festival with my grandchild, daughter and son-in-law in Zhangjiagang," said Ai Xiping, a 60-year-old woman who travelled afar from Shannxi province.

Xie Xinmin, a settler from Yunnan province, also could not wait to express her gratitude. She has battled against the annual travel rush—sometimes described as the world's biggest human migration—for six years. "It's a good opportunity to let my parents learn more about the city I live and work in," she said.

The families spent many happy hours together taking photos, making wonton, playing games and writing Spring Festival couplets.

"I hope the new settlers will find a home away from home in Zhangjiagang," said Wu Xiaofang, the activity organizer.

Spring Festival couplets are gifted to the families of new settlers. [Photo/zjg.wenming.cn]