Premier Li Keqiang boarded the K1567 train at Jining South Station on Feb 1 to greet passengers returning home for Spring Festival.

The K1567 train connects Baotou city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Dalian city in Northeast China’s Liaoning province.

Home, the Premier said, is the harbor in our life to which we’re most attached. People have to head home come what may, as a family reunion is the sweetest occasion for everyone.

“I’m fully aware that you wish if only you could meet your families in no time. I wish all of you a safe and sound arrival and an early happy Spring Festival,” the Premier said.

Premier Li, standing at the platform, waved goodbye to passengers when the train departed, his eyes following the train as it passed from sight.