Rubber chickens, diapers suggested for China’s holiday travel

HAINING, China (Reuters) – A luggage trolley that converts into a seat and a pole with pads that props up sleepy passengers are just a couple of the gadgets intrepid Chinese have devised to help make their annual New Year train trips home a little more comfortable.

About 200 million people in China are expected to take trains home for the New Year’s holiday at the weekend in what has been described as the world’s largest annual migration.

This year, Chinese microblogs have been abuzz with gadgets and inventions that could help make gruelling journeys a little easier.

One of the most talked-about is the “Hard Seat Treasure”, a metal pole with pads attached that is meant to prop up a sleepy traveller and ensure he or she does not fall out of their seat when they nod off. But not everyone is a fan.

“It’s a burden to carry,” said Li Kang, a migrant worker from the southwest province of Guizhou who tried it out. “When I lean on it, my body feels suspended.” Former physics teacher and avid amateur inventor Zhou agreed. He invented the “Grass Roots Travel Treasure” – a trolley with what looks like a metal mop handle sticking out of it that converts into a seat.

One user of the Sina Weibo microblog site suggested taking along a squawking rubber chicken to make other passengers get out of the way in crowded aisles. Another recommended adult diapers.

But the most popular accessory remains a simple plastic bucket, that can be turned over and used as a seat, or for other purposes.