Last Train Home

2012 Emmy winner for Best Documentary - One family amidst the largest human migration

See TV Schedule

Last Train Home POV

Premiered September 26, 2011

Last Train Home: asset-mezzanine-16x9

This video is unavailable in your area. Visit the PBS FAQ page for more information.

Last Train Home

Every spring, China's cities are plunged into chaos as 130 million migrant workers journey to their home villages for the New Year in the world's largest human migration. 'Last Train Home' takes viewers on a heart-stopping journey with the Zhangs, a couple who left infant children behind for factory jobs 16 years ago, hoping their wages would lift their children to a better life.

More Ways to Watch

See TV Schedule

Episode Extras

A teenager expresses her frustrations with her parents.

Watch (00:47)

Clip

How Can There Be Any Feelings?

A Chinese mother remembers leaving her child in order to provide a better life for her.

Watch (01:28)

Clip

A Mother Leaves Her Child for Work in the City

The Zhangs and other workers complain to the police at the train station.

Watch (02:50)

Clip

Arguments with Police

A small village in China celebrates the New Year.

Watch (02:10)

Clip

Huilong Village on Chinese New Year

Chinese migrant workers express their frustrations with factory life.

Watch (05:58)

Clip

Interviews at Guangzhou Train Station

Documentary filmmaker Lixin Fan talks about his film, 'Last Train Home.'

Watch (20:05)

Clip

Last Train Home - Filmmaker Interview

Premieres Monday, August 5, 2013 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Check your local listings.

Watch (00:30)

Preview

Last Train Home - Preview

130 million migrant workers journey to their home villages every Chinese New Year

Watch (02:34)

Preview

Last Train Home - Trailer

Millions of migrant workers make their way home.

Watch (07:57)

Clip

The World's Largest Human Migration

A man becomes frustrated on his trip home through China.

Watch (00:56)

Clip

We Work Far Away From Home

All Episodes

POV: Season 24

POV Short Cuts: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (01:37)

POV Short Cuts

Steam of Life: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (52:13)

Steam of Life

Mugabe and the White African: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (1:19:59)

Mugabe and the White African

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (52:42)

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

Enemies of the People: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (1:25:53)

Enemies of the People

Sweetgrass: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (1:24:01)

Sweetgrass

Program Specials & Extras

Decades after his mother's passing, John Cruitt reaches out to his third grade teacher, Mrs. Doyle.

Watch (03:00)

Special

StoryCorps Shorts: Dear Mrs. Doyle

A Vietnamese American daughter captures her parents on 16mm as they dream of their homeland.

Watch (08:04)

Special

Thời Thơ Ấu (Childhood)

A glimpse into the lives of three quilters in the American West.

Watch (17:14)

Special

American Seams

About the Program

POV

Since 1988, POV has been the home for the world’s boldest contemporary filmmakers, celebrating intriguing personal stories that spark conversation and inspire action.

Connect with POV