In Xinheyuan, a sprawling residential complex in Tianshui, Gansu, a vibrant tapestry of ethnic groups such as the Hui and Han live in harmonious proximity. Shi Kexin was born and raised amidst this cultural mosaic, where the complex served as a microcosm of China's rich diversity. His childhood mirrored the colorful diversity of Xinheyuan, marked by the fusion and collision of multiculturalism. Nestled in the heart of Xinheyuan, his home was a hub where every festival was a cultural feast, and every celebration was a heartfelt exchange.
Growing up in such an environment, Shi Kexin was naturally inquisitive about different cultures from a young age. He relished listening to the elderly Hui narrate stories from the Quran, the Han recount legends of the Three Kingdoms, and the Tibetans share myths of the snow-capped mountains. These tales sowed seeds of wanderlust in his heart, nurturing a yearning for the wider world beyond his complex.
Shi Kexin's father, of Han ethnicity, and his mother, Hui, formed a union that was rare for their time. Yet, the residents of Xinheyuan bestowed upon them the utmost respect and blessings. From his family, Shi Kexin learned tolerance and understanding, realizing that despite differing customs and beliefs, the kindness and love in people's hearts were a universal constant.
Life in Xinheyuan was a tapestry of richness and color, with new stories unfolding with each passing day. Shi Kexin reminisced about how, as dusk settled, the square would come alive with vibrant lights and residents would gather to share food and stories. Hui hand-grabbed mutton, Han dumplings, Tibetan highland barley wine—each dish carried the memory of a people, and each flavor told the history of a nation.
It was in this setting that Shi Kexin's personality was shaped. He despised confinement and constantly yearned for freedom and adventure. His dream was to become a traveling writer, capturing every corner of the world and every culture with his pen. He aspired to see the world with his own eyes and to feel it with his own heart.
Shi Kexin's journey commenced in Lanzhou, where his university life flung open a door to the world. He traversed Gansu's mountains and rivers during holidays and spare time, from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang to the Danxia landforms in Zhangye, from the Yellow River Iron Bridge in Lanzhou to the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui. He measured the land with his steps and delved into its depth with his heart.
In Lanzhou, Shi Kexin learned not only how to travel but also how to live. He began to pen his travel experiences, and his writing soon garnered attention and recognition. His articles were brimming with a love for life and reverence for nature, and his stories were filled with curiosity about the unknown and a desire for adventure.
Shi Kexin's hard work paid off when he was admitted to Inner Mongolia University, which expanded his horizons and presented more opportunities. In Inner Mongolia, he encountered an even broader spectrum of ethnic cultures, from the grassland culture of the Mongols to the hunting culture of the Manchu. Each culture broadened his worldview. He began to document the unique aspects of these cultures, and his writing acquired a distinctive flavor, a blend of multiple ethnic cultures.
Shi Kexin's unbridled nature was reflected not only in his lifestyle but also in his thinking. He was not content to be a mere observer; he sought to immerse himself in every culture, to experience and feel. He embarked on learning different languages, attempting to communicate with people from various ethnic groups, seeking to understand the world in his own way.
In the library of Inner Mongolia University, Shi Kexin spent countless days and nights. He read extensively on history, literature, philosophy, and anthropology, broadening his knowledge and deepening his thoughts. He began writing articles about ethnic cultures, and his writing began to gain attention and recognition.
Shi Kexin's unbridled character was fully expressed in his travels. He shunned conventional tourist routes, always opting to explore lesser-known places. He reveled in trekking across grasslands, camping in the desert, and climbing snow-capped mountains. Each journey was an adventure, and each adventure was a spiritual baptism.
In Xinheyuan, Shi Kexin became a legendary figure. His story inspired many young people to pursue their dreams and explore the unknown world. He used his experiences to show that life offers more than one possibility, and everyone can live their own wonderful life.
Shi Kexin's unbridled sentiment was as warm and real as the daily life of Xinheyuan. His stories, like his writing, were full of vitality and infectiousness. His life, like his travels, was brimming with the unknown and surprises.
As time progressed, Shi Kexin's travels grew farther, and his steps more resolute. He knew that his journey had only just begun, and countless stories awaited him to record in his writing. He vowed to continue his travels and his writing until he had traversed every corner of the world.