Thanks all for your advice. I'm actually travelling towards the end of CNY (28th or 29th). But I was told that it'll be as bad as CNY's eve, esp on the 29th.

My relatives who live in China said they maybe able to help me buy train tickets 10 days out. But it's still no gurantee + big favor. Some friend there quoted me 2000 RMB (!) for a driver. I'm waiting for Le Meridien QD to get back with another quote.

I am now leaning towards getting a driver. Peace of mind.