Who says that old people lack dreams? Our dreams soar in the sky; a female student riding her bike into Tibet inspired him. On the morning of September 9th this year, Gao Qingqi and his wife were fully equipped to set out. Originally, he wanted to tell no one, as he didn't know what challenges they would face on the journey, fearing that if he failed and returned home disgraced, it would damage his pride. However, just before departure, a few old classmates and colleagues found out and specially came to see them off. Old Gao placed homemade banners reading "Tibetan Journey" and two small flags inscribed with "Shaanxi - Lhasa", "Sunset Dream Chasing" on the front and back of the motorcycle, then set off with his wife for the distant journey to Tibet. Adverse weather tested their willpower right from the start.
Not all explorers are young; some are motivated by the youthful spirit, chasing after them with vigor,
Gao Qingqi's friend Li Baijiang laughed and said that Old Gao's action was truly characteristic of Shaanxi’s "reckless" and "old but wild" behavior. Talking about Gao's adventures, his old colleagues and friends couldn't help but give a thumbs up, but when Gao invited them to ride motorcycles to Mohe, Heilongjiang next year, none responded due to physical factors or lack of courage and responsibility like Gao's. Chief reporter Yang Po wrote both text and took photos.
The heavens seemed to test Gao's willpower specifically; soon after leaving home, dark clouds gathered, and a heavy rainstorm was imminent. According to the original plan, the first day's destination was Xi'an, but considering the city's ban on motorcycles ("Jinmo"), he directly rode through Pucheng, Fuping, and Sanyuan towards his brother's home in Chunhua. Upon arriving at Chunhua, a heavy downpour began. With waterlogged roads making visibility poor, they could only judge road conditions by the height of roadside trees.
At his brother's house, Gao's Tibetan journey was once again discouraged, but he was determined. The next day, at dawn, he and his wife set off despite his brother's resignation to seeing them go. That day's planned route was Chunhua, Lique, Wugong, Zhouzhi, Foping, Hanzhong. A drizzle continued throughout the journey. After refueling in Zhouzhi, torrential rains followed within ten minutes, making it dangerous to brake while riding the motorcycle. But still gritting his teeth, Gao braved the storm to climb over the Qinling Mountains and reached Foping by nightfall around 9 pm. His son sent a text message saying there would be rain in Hanzhong, prompting his wife to suggest waiting. However, staying overnight in Foping, he convinced his wife to continue forward. They pressed on through the rain until reaching Mian County where the skies finally cleared.
"You ride the bike and I accompany you, crossing mountains and rivers for thousands of miles, chasing our dreams through wind and rain, traveling endlessly across the horizon... Along the way, there's sweetness and bitterness, along the way, there's beautiful scenery like paintings. If you ask where the dream lies, it's under your feet." On November 28th this year, CCTV Channel Three's "Towards Happiness" show hosted by Li Yong and Wang Guan welcomed a special guest couple - Gao Qingqi and Cheng Suiyuan from Han City, Shaanxi Province. In candid, humorous conversations with host Li Yong, the Gao couple recounted their challenging journey through Tibet to reach the Potala Palace in Lhasa, fulfilling their desire for "Chasing Dreams at Sunset," and expressing their joy upon realizing their Tibetan dream. Moved deeply, female guest Cheng Suiyuan stood up and sang their self-composed song "If You Ask Where the Dream Lies" to express the couple's excitement, happiness, and fulfillment. Sitting beside his wife, Gao Qingqi, recalling the hardships and beauty of the journey through the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet lines, tears welled up in his eyes, as if returning to the expedition and the place where his dreams took flight...
"Fearful of returning home in failure and losing face,"
"The more difficult the path, the closer I feel to Lhasa, the more spirited I become. Climbing the Mila Mountain at an altitude of 5013 meters near Lhasa took only four hours. It was raining on September 27th when we arrived in Lhasa, and the Potala Palace appeared milky white in the rain. We were extremely excited when we saw it. I stopped the vehicle, and the two of us jumped and cheered like children: 'Lhasa, Potala Palace, we've come!'"
When the couple crossed the Sichuan-Tibet line, climbing over Zheduo Mountain, Ga'ersi Mountain, Jianziwan Mountain, Hai Zi Mountain to reach Litang County at an altitude of 4000 meters, his wife experienced severe high-altitude reactions - headaches, fever, loss of appetite, and genuinely didn't want to continue. Gao decided either to send his wife to Chengdu to take the train back to Shaanxi or let her take a minibus while he followed on his motorcycle. Ultimately, his wife expressed a desire to continue forward.
"To truly experience the Sichuan-Tibet line, you must travel from Chengdu, Qionglai, Ya'an via National Highway 318 to Lhasa. Because the roads are under repair, they are especially hard to navigate. Especially between Litang and Batang, the 130 kilometers are all muddy roads." Recalling the situation, Gao Qingqi said that the roads in Litang were so bad that they had to use headlights and turn signals during the day. The mud splashed by cars behind made them look like terracotta warriors, covered in dust and dirt, sometimes even requiring them to push the motorcycle. Despite this, every day they persisted in covering 380 kilometers.
Journalist: "I heard that your trip to Tibet was very low-key, not telling outsiders before departure and not publicizing upon return. To avoid a grand welcome ceremony from old friends and colleagues, you intentionally stayed an extra day in Weinan, yet ended up in the CCTV studio. How did this happen?"
Gao Qingqi (with a knowing smile): "Initially, someone called the Han City TV station hotline, which led to an interview and report. Then on November 18th, I received an invitation from CCTV Channel Three's 'Towards Happiness' show, inviting us as guests. At the time, my daughter-in-law was giving birth, and my wife needed to care for her, so we didn't want to go. Both my daughter-in-law and family persuaded us, saying it was rare to have such an opportunity, so don't miss it. Simultaneously, I wanted to use this chance to encourage more elderly friends to step outside like young people, head towards nature, broaden horizons, increase knowledge, and appreciate the great landscapes of our country. Therefore, it was understandable to be a bit high-profile this time. So on November 23rd, we took the train to Beijing, and on November 28th, we filmed the program."
Journalist: "How do you think the elderly should spend their later years? Do you have any health preservation secrets given your good condition?"
In ordinary people's minds, the later life of the elderly is spent playing mahjong on the street, practicing calligraphy at home, or fishing by the riverbank. Few venture out for tourism, and riding motorcycles to Tibet is something most wouldn't dare to imagine. Yet, nearing seventy, Gao Qingqi's later life is rich and varied, offering unique experiences.
"A trip to Tibet unexpectedly led me to the CCTV studio, truly surprising me," Gao Qingqi said. By accepting media interviews and showcasing his Tibet trip in a high-profile manner, he aimed to encourage more seniors, under physically permissible conditions, to leave home, venture into the wilderness, embrace nature, and enjoy the magnificent landscapes of our country. He expressed plans to drive with his wife to Mohe, Heilongjiang, Northern Xinjiang, and Hainan within two years, possibly revisiting Tibet via the Yunnan-Tibet line. At that time, he would celebrate his 70th birthday with these travel experiences and prepare for another challenge in life.
Faced with family opposition, Gao Qingqi remained resolute, saying, "Taking a plane to Tibet can only see the tops of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, what's the point?" Subsequently, he purchased a 125cc motorcycle worth over 6000 yuan and gradually convinced his wife and children to support him.
Gao Qingqi: "What moved me most was the warm and simple hospitality of the Tibetan people. Regardless of age, they greet strangers with genuine smiles, saying 'Tashi Delek,' and if you encounter difficulties, they offer help without expecting anything in return. What left a deep impression were university students cycling from Chengdu to Lhasa. Their vitality, innocence, energy, and persistence inspired me greatly, pushing me forward. Another unforgettable experience was meeting Tibetan pilgrims visiting the Potala Palace in Lhasa, whose devotion and perseverance became my role models. Along the way, I met several cycling tourists from Xi'an, sharing bananas and apples bought in Qionglai and distributing cured sausages to local Tibetans, sharing joy together."
Interview: "Appearing on CCTV was an unexpected harvest."
Who says the elderly lack joy? Our songs soar with the birds!
We are vibrant sunsets, shining beautifully like the sunrise;
We are tireless oxen, diligently plowing under the gentle evening breeze;
Facing the opposition of family members, Gao Qingqi remained steadfast. He said, "Taking a plane to Tibet can only see the peaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, what's the point?" Thereafter, he specifically bought a 125cc motorcycle worth over 6000 yuan and gradually convinced his wife and children to support his idea.
Gao Qingqi (with a knowing smile): "Initially, someone called the Han City TV station hotline, leading to an interview and report. Then on November 18th, I received an invitation from CCTV Channel Three's 'Towards Happiness' show, inviting us as guests. At the time, my daughter-in-law was giving birth, and my wife needed to care for her, so we didn't want to go. Both my daughter-in-law and family persuaded us, saying it was rare to have such an opportunity, so don't miss it. Simultaneously, I wanted to use this chance to encourage more elderly friends to step outside like young people, head towards nature, broaden horizons, increase knowledge, and appreciate the great landscapes of our country. Therefore, it was understandable to be a bit high-profile this time. So on November 23rd, we took the train to Beijing, and on November 28th, we filmed the program."
Gao Qingqi: "For health preservation, I have no other advice except maintaining a good mood. Under feasible circumstances, the elderly should try to leave home, participate in activities, travel outside, broaden their horizons, increase knowledge, and exercise. By keeping healthy, we reduce the burden on our children, reduce national medical expenses, avoid suffering, and live happily. Why not?"
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