MyPlain

Category: 行万里路

  • Wild & Safe: Essential Tips for China’s Backcountry Travel

    A few days ago, I saw a video of a traveler complaining that the loudspeaker announcements at China’s scenic spots kill the natural vibe. But honestly, expecting zero safety reminders in a managed park is like going to a steakhouse and complaining about the meat—it misses the whole point.

    If you’re an experienced adventurer seeking untouched nature with zero management footprint, China has that too. Just know that once you step outside managed and maintained areas, the safety net is gone.

    Here’s how local hiking clubs approach the backcountry:

    1. No-signal zones.
      Unlike the well-covered scenic spots, remote mountains often have zero cell service. Locals usually download offline maps beforehand, and many carry satellite communicators on longer treks.
    2. The no-solo rule.
      Weather changes fast, and terrain gets rough. Local clubs insist on hiking in groups, staying within sight or earshot, and making sure no one is left behind.
    3. Beware of social-media “wild spots.”
      Some hidden waterfalls or off-grid campsites look amazing online, but they often lack basic infrastructure and emergency support. Always check the weather forecast (especially during flood season) and respect local closure signs.

    Real adventure in China isn’t about ignoring safety; it’s about respecting nature and preparing for it. Whether you stick to the well-maintained trails or head into the backcountry, let safety be your compass. That way, the only thing you’ll lose is the crowds.

  • Let’s Call It What It Is: Chinese New Year！

    If you don’t fully understand the cultural and scientific depth, let’s discuss this from a perspective everyone in business understands: IP (Intellectual Property).

    My experience dealing with IP matters at a multinational company taught me one simple rule: if you use someone’s creation, you credit the owner. Period.

    Yet, some people want to rename “Chinese New Year” to something else. Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about being “inclusive.” It’s about basic IP respect.

    Here’s why this issue matters:
    1. It undermines a proprietary system: The calendar isn’t just “moon phases.” It’s a complex scientific system calculated by China’s Purple Mountain Observatory. Treating it generically is like using Windows but calling it “generic computer system.”
    2. It causes brand dilution: In business, we fight to protect brand names from becoming generic. “Chinese New Year” dates back over 3,000 years and is still updated continuously. Erasing “Chinese” erases its origin.
    3. It disrespects scientific labor: Scientists work hard to calculate the exact dates. Ignoring the name ignores their work.

    Respecting diversity means respecting origins. Just as we protect patents and trademarks at work to keep the market fair, we should protect cultural heritage too.

    Don’t scrub the name. Call it Chinese New Year.

    It’s accurate, it’s respectful, and it upholds the very principle of intellectual property that protects us all. Let’s not set a precedent where origin stories can be erased without consequence.

  • The Flower of Summer

    Which kind of flower would you choose to represent summer?

    My choice is the lotus flower.

    Last Saturday, I visited a theme park, specifically to see the lotus pond.

    I was planning to stroll in the park all day and watch the sunset at the lake next to the park. Unfortunately, I missed the sunset. But luckily, the lotus were blooming, and I enjoyed the time when I walked around the pond.

    You can see a view of the lotus pond in this video.

    I hope you are able to feel the fresh and fragrant air like I did.  The lotus flower produces an aroma that no perfume can replicate.

  • An Ancient Town

    I found some videos and pictures of an ancient town while organizing my iPhone. I took those images during my visit, which was approximately six months ago.

    The place was called Longmen Ancient Town, the hometown of Sun Quan-if you are familiar with the history of the Three Kingdoms 1800 years ago, you’ll recognize him as one of the emperors.

    There are still some old buildings in the town, and some high mountains in the distance. It’s a nice place to stroll. I enjoyed many different local snacks and rice wine with my friends.

    We set off from Pudong, Shanghai, and it took us three and a half hours to reach there by car. Regrettably, we only stayed for half a day and then went to another place.

    Next time, if I go again, I will stay at a B&B for one more day, to fully experience the morning and evening there.

  • English Entries in Early September

    9.10
    I Need Some Advice

    In one of my previous entries, I wrote about a cave on my last hike trail. (You can find the video link here if you haven’t seen it.

    It’s a wild cave, which means there’s no dedicated team to take care of it.

    When we got there, we found some trash on the ground, but we didn’t have the tools to dispose of it, let alone carry it down the hill. （更多…）