NEW Many of them are bound for home ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year , also known as the Spring Festival , which falls on February 7 . : Chinese officials say Up to 500,000 people affected by weather . Heavy snowfalls put the nation into lockdown ahead of busiest travel winters . There have been 827,000 deaths and 24 evacuations . Up to 500,000 stranded at a train station .
NEW : Chinese officials say Up to 500,000 people affected by weather . Heavy snowfalls put the nation into lockdown ahead of busiest travel winters . There have been 827,000 deaths and 24 evacuations . Up to 500,000 stranded at a train station .