Beijing — Li Guangqiang, a construction worker in Beijing, has been making the annual journey home to his village in Shandong province for 16 years.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22390

0

Beijing — Travelers surge forward to board a train at the main railway station, on their way to home towns and villages for the New Year.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22391

1

Dezhou City, China — Braving frigid temperatures at a rest stop, Li Guangqiang stretches his legs on his journey from Beijing to Liloucun in Shandong province.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22392

2

En route to Liloucun, Beijing — Li Guangqiang sleeps during the 400-mile journey to Shandong province. Though it's 12 hours by bus, he prefers it to being packed like sardines on a train.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22393

3

En route to Liloucun, China — Li Guangqiang uses his cellphone to alert his family that he is nearing his destination of Shanxian after nearly 12 hours on the road from Beijing. From there he'll proceed to his ancestral village of Liloucun.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22394

4

Liloucun, China — Li's son, Shengshun, 13, wrestles playfully with him in their awkward interactions after a year. Li finds the village dull and says he plans to stay in Beijing until he's 50.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22395

5

Lilou Village Shandon Province, China — Li pastes a New Year's greeting, "Happy Family," on the door of his uncle's house in their home village, Liloucun.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22396

6

Liloucun, China — Li's wife, Sun Fengzhi, carries a head of cabbage into her home as she prepares a New Year's meal.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22397

7

Liloucun, China — Sun Fengzhi, Li's wife, warms her hands after working in the family's freezing kitchen. She is left to raise their two teenage children as Li works in Beijing.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22398

8

Liloucun, China — Dumplings await boiling, the treats usually are eaten at midnight on New Year's Eve.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22399

9

Liloucun, China — A small paper rabbit hangs in the window of a home where friends and relatives frequently visit.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22400

10

Liloucun, China — Men raise a toast at a pre-wedding party in a restaurant. Couples often wait until Chinese New Year; for good luck, and to include visiting family.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22401

11

Liloucun, China — Li Guangqiang, right, joins other village men in burning fake money in a wheat field where the ashes of ancestors are buried without markers. The women don't take part in the ritual because they are not considered to be members of the Li family.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22402

12

Liloucun, China — Fireworks light up the main intersection as residents celebrate the Chinese New Year.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22403

13

Liloucun, China — Li Guangqiang's son, Shengshun, 13, joins his uncles and neighbors in a New Year's Eve feast.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

http://framework.latimes.com/?attachment_id=22404

14