Passengers go through security check at the entrance of the Changsha Railway Station in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 21, 2009. With the approach of the Chinese lunar New Year, Hunan railways have transported over 1 million passengers since the formal start of the annual Spring Festival travel peak on Jan. 11. [Long Hongtao/Xinhua]

For most Chinese, especially rural migrant workers, trains are their main choice of transport to return home during the Spring Festival. Last year, a snow and ice storm paralyzed the rail network in many parts of the country and stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers at Guangzhou Railway Station. This year, a record 188 million train trips are expected during the 40-day holiday travel season. This undoubtedly will again test the country's rail system.

And for numerous passengers who only managed to buy standing tickets, tough journeys lie ahead. And it's even worse for those who have to bring their children with them as well.

This three-member household comes from Hunan province. They were unable to buy sleeper or seat tickets. The 14-hour trip for both the adults and their two-year old child is a daunting prospect.