Try opening your heart to travel to China. Alone.

I'm back... after a long hiatus from writing about life and travel. It's been so long that I almost forgot there was a time when life wasn't tied to a screen or a desk. As an office worker, even "leisure time" has become a rare commodity. The vibrancy of the past has dried up like a flower without water. That's why "holidays" have become precious moments I don't want to waste. At the end of last year, I decided to embark on my first solo trip, choosing "China" as my destination. Not a big city, but Harbin—a snowy dream city I've longed to visit for 7 years. The inspiration came from a review by someone I admire, with images of snow, ice houses, and winter festivals still vivid in my mind. I planned every minute carefully because taking time off work and saving money isn't easy. I decided to stop by "Beijing" before flying to Harbin. I only had one day, but it felt more fulfilling than expected. I visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and walked in the chilly wind. The single-digit temperature was biting, but my heart was excited. I enjoyed simple yet memorable local Chinese food. Then, I headed to "Harbin," the legendary ice city, where I stayed for 5 full days. Every day was filled with wonder. It was so cold that my breath turned to mist, yet my heart felt warm because I was standing in a place I had dreamed of for so long. I marveled at the spectacular nighttime ice sculpture festival, strolled along Central Street, which resembled Europe, with old Russian-style buildings and the aroma of smoked sausages wafting through the air. I even counted down to the New Year there. On the way back, I stopped in "Chengdu" for one night. Though brief, Chengdu was brimming with charm. And yes... I traveled alone. Abroad for the first time. No travel companions. No one to take photos for me. No one to ask, "Which restaurant should we eat at?" Many people asked, "Weren't you scared to go alone?" I smiled and replied, "Not at all." Because we only live once. If we keep waiting for others, then when will we ever get to explore the world? This journey... I discovered new worlds. Met countless people who helped me, even though we were strangers and couldn't understand each other. Found friendships with new acquaintances, despite language barriers, communicating through smiles and heartfelt gestures. And all of this... will become one of the memories I'll never forget. 🙂 Alone.