Making modern connections through ancient tombs

Zhang shares that she also visits many museums, but visiting their tombs is completely different. Last September, she visited nearly 20 tombs within four days in Luoyang, Henan province. Along the journey, she was deeply impressed by the numerous messages and tributes from other visitors, who shared both similar and different emotional connections with each figure. In the neighboring Gongyi city, she felt particularly astonished and humbled by the notable imperial mausoleums of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), which spread quietly and naturally in ordinary wheat fields.

"These visits truly change our outlook on life. They were once glorious and magnificent figures, but eventually turned to dust. I can't help but feel deeply moved, and then realize that we need to cherish today and live in the moment," says Zhang.

As someone who preferred staying home rather than going out, she has now grown into an experienced solo traveler. Those in the distant history have become her endless source of motivation, giving her the spiritual power and courage to explore the wider world and achieve personal growth, as she puts it.