Photos of the hustling bazaar, breathtaking natural scenery, as well as colourful souvenirs at my home together brought me back to my journey to Xinjiang almost five years ago. It was when we followed the path of the Ancient Silk Road, discovering the corners that might sound unfamiliar for many of us. China, nowadays, attempts to revive the past glory of the Silk Road in the region by advocating the “One Belt One Road” strategy. However, through the camera lens and first-hand interaction with the locals, is Xinjiang really blessed with the rosy picture of all ethnicities being respected and living without fear in all aspects? This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/in-retrospect-of-my-week-in-xinjiang-in-2017/
An ethnic Kazakh man, in his limited Chinese, told us that Sayram means “blessing” in his mother tongue, and wished us peace wherever we go. Being in one of the most impressive bodies of water, I felt particularly blessed to be around the lake. Framed by the majestic Tianshan Mountain in the backdrop, the turquoise water of Sayram lake seemed to be meeting the azure sky in the distance. Immersing in the locals’ hospitality and this picturesque scene in Illi was nothing more we could wish for. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/sayram-lake-%e8%b3%bd%e9%87%8c%e6%9c%a8%e6%b9%96-turquoise-water-thriving-meadows-an-undulating-mountain-view/
To surmount the dry heat and miles of sand, Turpan, perhaps, was the most challenging part of the Journey to the West for traders and travellers in the Silk Road. Even we only stayed there for one entire day, we could already feel our sweat drizzling and our longing craving for a set of juicy grapes. Outside this city lies an impregnable mountain range blanketed by perpetual snow, with Tianshan that separates the northern and southern part of Xinjiang. Monkey King and monk Xuanzang should be proud of themselves for how much they endured and what they had achieved. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/09/10/turpan-%e5%90%90%e9%ad%af%e7%95%aa-chinas-flaming-furnace/
Both Dunhuang and the Silk Road bear witness to the transmission of diverse cultural content that took place here. Lying in an oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, this city changed hands myriads of times over its long history and remained a vibrant hub of exchange until the 11th century. Those were the days when the sight of the city brought smiles of relief to the weary caravans of travellers, and it nowadays brings immense joy to us to be in this invaluable depositary of historic documents along the Silk Roads. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/07/14/dunhuang-%e6%95%a6%e7%85%8c-a-silk-road-oasis/
Located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul was a strategic location in bygone centuries where the three kingdoms of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla (BCE 57 – CE 688) all targeted to conquer it. Whoever captured Seoul reflected its extraordinary military power. To gain a firm foothold there, the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910) even declared Seoul its capital, a role that Seoul is still playing. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/06/24/a-glimpse-into-seouls-past-and-present/
Don’t be surprised that there lies the highest mountain in Chiang Mai that is blessed with lush green landscapes, breezy weather and a high-rise peak that reaches 2500 metres above sea level. It becomes a perfect paradise for the locals and tourists from all walks of life to spend their holiday to escape from the all-year heat and embrace nature. If you have a chance to visit Chiang Mai, do immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Doi Inthanon, and appreciate this natural treasure that our Mother Earth created for every one of us. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/05/05/doi-inthanon-a-mountainous-paradise-in-thailand/
Let's take a look and explore inside the villages of long-neck Kayans in Thailand. Originally from Burma, they were forced to flee to Thailand as refugees some time ago. Some of them are still living in the bamboo huts in northern Thailand where they welcome flocks of tourists. Yet, do their lives get improved? This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2021/02/08/the-long-neck-kayans-restricted-unprotected-and-their-unsolved-plight/
The Golden Triangle, a Mekong river confluence between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, was used to be a hotbed for opium production by drug traffickers. Yet nowadays, with China's soaring investment, the nearby Daosao island in Laos is being transformed into a Special Economic Zone. But will Laos' government continue to embrace China's politically in exchange for its massive economic benefits? This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/golden-triangle-from-a-drug-zone-to-a-chinas-enclave/
Though it seemed so nerve-wracking, this first solo backpacking turned out to be one of the most liberating, exhilarating experiences. The chief delight of travelling alone is the simple act of just doing it: going beyond my cocoon and deciding to go somewhere, even if it means doing it by yourself. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/out-of-my-comfort-zone-reflections-on-my-first-solo-backpacking-abroad/
I found myself in a period of intense soul-searching and stress occurring, typically because I feel that I am not achieving my full potential or am lagging behind, or being tied down by insecurities and loneliness. Sometimes I wonder whether I could really taste the fruit of success after months and years of toil, blood and sweat? Could I sow what I reaped? What am I doing here and am I creating any impact on this world? This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/11/24/a-personal-record-me-and-my-quarter-life-crisis/
From a peaceful meander along the beautiful coast to relishing the spectacular views of these two seaside towns, there is plenty to do here for a leisurely weekend. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city life, North Wales has it all for people of all ages: its gorgeous scenery, the clear blue sea and a relaxing atmosphere. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/10/05/conwy-and-llandudno-a-tranquil-stroll-in-north-wales/
It is my first brand new experience to hike beyond Hong Kong. However, it rewards me with the natural gift the mountain has been hiding - those sparkling lake waters, spectacular nature views, and the sharp ridgelines. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/09/19/snowdon-conquering-the-highest-mountain-in-wales/
Ever since from Roman eras as a place for rest to the British aristocrats as a city for social activities and arts in the 19th century, Bath has been developed and transformed into how it looks today. Tourists from all walks of life, as well as the British local people, all swarm into this gorgeous city of Bath to relish its unique architecture and artistic culture each year, for travel or as a city retreat. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/09/10/wandering-through-a-historic-bath/
Imagine myself following a protagonist’ gripping adventure that might not have happened in this real world, such as waving the magic wand with the wizard, dancing with a Prince Charming and living happily ever after. Whether I am bathing in happiness or when loneliness looms, love, loss and many others can be accomplished within a span of a couple of hours. Being a voracious reader, a smile creeps across my face when I realise how much Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales have enriched my childhood years. Even up to now, his magical stories never fail to delight, enchant and amaze us, and Copenhagen becomes a city where his writing inspiration flourished, and where he called it home. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2019/07/18/in-search-of-hans-christian-andersen-in-copenhagen/
Centuries after the rule of different Empires, Toledo still stands majestically on a craggy outcrop of rock, overlooking the whole surrounding area. This city prides itself on its rich history and invaluable cultural heritage that long endure: Jewish synagogues, fine Moorish mosques and Spain’s greatest Gothic cathedrals. Just a full day of travel, we felt like we have been transported to medieval Spain. Once an ancient capital of Castille, once being a melting pot of religious coexistence, no wonder here goes a Spanish saying of this fairy-like city: “Until you have seen Toledo, you have not seen Spain”. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/toledo-a-melting-pot-of-three-cultures/
This city represents the past through the city’s medieval heritage; the present day that embraces people of different faiths and races; and the future that spreads the message of the fatality of war and friendship towards the next generations. The ruined Cathedral and the locals’ welcoming attitude illustrate how Coventry emerged from those gloomy days and hold everyone with open arms, and how it continues to remind nations to settle any international issue through peaceful dialogues, rather than by fire and fury. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/coventry-a-city-of-peace-and-reconciliation/
Jiayuguan Great Wall, originally constructed as the last major stronghold of Ming Empire, once faced boiling Gobi desert and vast terrains towards Central Asia. It's strategically located at the narrowest point of the Hexi Corridor on the Silk Road and now becomes the greatest wonder of the world. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/jiayuguan-pass-%e5%98%89%e5%b3%aa%e9%97%9c-first-and-the-greatest-pass-under-heaven/
What makes Danxia landform to stand out is the varying shades of red-orange-pink sandstones. With the passing of time, the erosion formed towering peaks, cave holes, and stone halls. Let's discover its intoxicating beauty in this landlocked province in China, and feel such tranquility in this natural scenery. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/zhangye-danxia-%e5%bc%b5%e6%8e%96%e4%b8%b9%e9%9c%9e-chinas-rainbow-mountains/
Lanzhou is famous as a starting point to explore the renowned Silk Road. Not only does it impress us with the city’s historical part, but also its gorgeous landscape and its evolving development. As thousands of years elapsed, their cultural heritages still endured, especially well-known by its Yellow River, a sculpture, a bridge, and a bowl of noodles. Once a pivotal city on the Ancient Silk Road, Lanzhou started to revive its prominence as a future gateway to the West, and is being primed to be a major hub of the Silk Road Economic Belt. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/lanzhou-%e8%98%ad%e5%b7%9e-a-golden-city-in-the-centre/
The Silk Road, linking majority of populations on this globe, transported more than merely huge wealth and multifarious commodities. It also facilitates intellectual knowledge, novel ideas, and cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups. Follow me to discover this mysterious West. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://bauhiniahk2014.wordpress.com/2017/07/03/silk-road-%e7%b5%b2%e7%b6%a2%e4%b9%8b%e8%b7%af-journey-to-the-mysterious-west-2/