The road to adventure

Rolling home

Turning 30 may cause a moment or two of reflection for some people, but for the couple, it was time to try something new. When COVID-19 made traveling abroad almost impossible in 2020, the couple in Beijing tried their best to continue their trips-buying a camper van for 130,000 yuan ($20,510) to undertake a comprehensive exploration of the country's various landscapes.

The conversion of the vehicle into a mobile home cost them another 100,000 yuan and about six months, according to Liu Yuxi. With a 5-square-meter living space in the van, they started their "Rolling 30" adventure in June that year.

"The journey lasted 100 days and cost us about 35,000 yuan, which was cheaper than other ways of travel," Liu Hongjia says.

Cost-effectiveness is what most people care about, but for the couple, freedom behind the wheel gives their adventure a special appeal.

"Usually, a 'common' vocation is planned down to the minute, such as when to get to the airport, to check in and out the hotel and rush to catch a train. There is no such stress in our journey," Liu Hongjia says.

"On an RV trip, you can do things at your own pace. You can go or stop anywhere you want, anytime you want," he says, adding that it can sometimes take you off the beaten path.

Take their driving in Xinjiang for example. In mid-September, when they planned to drive from Turpan to Urumqi, reaching Kanas in Altay for its most colorful season-autumn, a fellow RV traveler told them that in his eyes, Jiangbulake (Jiangbrak) was the place that best represented Xinjiang. So they changed their plans-and drove to the grasslands.

"Most people who we met on the road have been friendly, and left us with many heartwarming moments," Liu Yuxi says.

Meaning "Source of Holy Water" in Kazakh, Jiangbulake scenic spot is located in Qitai county, about 420 kilometers from Turpan. It contains golden wheat fields and green grasslands, and snow-capped mountains. It was where they captured the end of autumn.

Besides the freedom, Liu Yuxi thinks RV travel is well suited for her husband, who is also a photographer.

"As a photographer, he often wants to capture the beauty of nature, such as stars or sunset in the desert. A camper van can take him to a good spot for photos and even allow a rest while using time-lapse photography," she says.

For the couple, RV travel has been a good option to live a balanced life, combining their travel blogging work, interest and life together while minimizing the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.