Backpacker Tour to Main Campus -- Ning Meng Trip

Author: Zhou Jing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The charm of travel can only be experienced during the journey. Whenever I wander alone in the vast and open spaces, immersing myself in the boundless and majestic nature, the sky, earth, mountains, rivers, and all natural wonders surrounding me fill me with a special sense of closeness and reluctance. The feeling of freedom truly intoxicates and excites me. I am increasingly fascinated by travel and more eager for solo journeys. Travel has not only broadened my horizons and strengthened my courage but also given me many experiences and insights. Yet, I have never been inclined to put them into writing. I simply regard travel as a game, a form of leisure, and a remedy for adjusting my mindset. Every year, I joyfully embark on travels, savoring the comfort and joy of my soul being nourished by nature. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for everything nature has given me—including Hiking the Western Regions.
Hiking the Western Regions series was entirely a byproduct of my travels. During my journeys, I focus on the feelings of my heart, while keeping expenses on food, lodging, and transportation as minimal as possible. Since I travel prepared, I can explore relatively more attractions with less money. Each time I travel, I take some photos. Friends and colleagues always envy me, expressing their desire to travel but complaining about their limited budgets. I would then count on my fingers, showing them how many places I’ve visited and how little money I spent. Some were amazed, saying, "If it’s this affordable, I could travel every year too!" Others shook their heads in disbelief. Some, seeing the many "earthen walls" (ancient ruins) behind me, cursed me for being extravagant. Others suggested, "Why don’t you start a column, sharing the routes you’ve taken and the costs involved, so more people can learn that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive."
Thus, the column "Take You Around the World" was born in the leisure section of our newspaper. To my surprise, it gained readers. I occasionally received calls, had people visit the editorial office, and even had inquiries about publishing a book. I brought my clippings to China Travel Press, and Director Pan Xiaozhu immediately chose the Western Regions as the theme. That’s how this series of Hiking the Western Regions came to be.
In this series, I write entirely from the perspective of a self-guided traveler, providing first-hand information needed for travel. Most of the regional overviews were gathered from local authorities, and to ensure comprehensive and accurate details, I also consulted additional sources for verification. Beyond introducing the famous scenic spots and historical sites of the Western Regions, I specially designed itineraries with cost references, transportation, dining, accommodation, shopping, and local specialties, which should be very practical for self-guided travelers. I believe that what I’ve experienced during my travels may be exactly what other self-guided travelers want to know, so I briefly introduce the history, culture, resources, economy, and current status of each region in the Western Areas. I also weave in travel diaries, observations, reflections, and environmental insights to serve as a backdrop to the ancient and modern context of the scenic spots and historical sites. This should be useful for those who love their country’s history and culture and are interested in the Western Regions.
The "Travel Reminders" are based on my years of self-guided travel experience, offering insights that self-guided travelers can. The "Travel Routes" interspersed in the book are condensed from the routes I personally used, and they can be cut out and carried along for reference when visiting each attraction.
You might think this is quite detailed, but when you’re on the road, it might just be the guide that cares about you.