Who says that old people lack dreams? Our dreams soar in the sky; a female student riding her bike to Tibet inspired him. On the early morning of September 9th, Gao Qingqi and his wife were fully equipped and ready to set off. Originally, he didn't want to tell anyone because he was unsure what challenges they would face on the way, fearing failure and loss of face. However, just before departure, a few old classmates and colleagues found out and specially came to see them off. Gao attached a banner he made himself, inscribed with "Tibet Journey," and two small flags reading "Shaanxi - Lhasa" and "Sunset Dream Chasing," one on the front and one on the back of the motorcycle, then set off with his wife for Tibet. Unfavorable start with a heavy rain test of willpower as soon as they left home.
Not an adventure but a measured action
Reporter: Master Gao, hello! At your age, you should be at home enjoying your retirement, so why did you decide to take your wife alone through the Sichuan-Tibetan and Qinghai-Tibetan routes, which even young people might fear? Did you consider high-altitude reactions and the difficult rugged journey beforehand?
Young people are our models and kindred spirits; following their energetic figures,
Gao Qingqi's friend Li Baijiang laughed and said that this move by Gao was truly representative of the Shaanxi "two sticks" and "old madness." Talking about Gao's adventures, all his old colleagues and friends gave him the thumbs up, but when Gao invited them to ride motorcycles to Mohe, Heilongjiang next year, no one responded. Apart from physical factors, not everyone has Gao's courage and responsibility. Text / Photo Chief Reporter Yang Po
The heavens seemed to be testing Gao's will specifically. Not long after they set out, dark clouds gathered, and heavy rain was imminent. According to the original plan, they intended to go to Xi'an on the first day, but considering the "motorcycle ban" in Xi'an, he directly rode along Pucheng, Fuping, and Sanyuan, intending to go to his second brother's house in Chunhua. Just as they reached Chunhua, it started raining heavily, with waterlogged roads making it hard to see the road clearly. They could only judge the road conditions by the height of the trees along the side of the road.
At his second brother's house, Gao's Tibet trip was opposed again, but he had made up his mind. The next day, as soon as it was bright, he and his wife set off. His second brother, seeing his determination, had no choice but to see them off at the door. That day's planned journey was from Chunhua, Liquean, Wugong, Zhi Zhi, Foping, to Hanzhong. It rained lightly all the way. After refueling in Zhouzhi, it poured heavily within ten minutes. Riding a motorcycle, they dared not even brake. But he still gritted his teeth and braved the rain over the Qinling Mountains to Foping. By then, it was already past 9 p.m. His son sent a text message saying there was rain in Hanzhong, and his wife suggested waiting a bit longer, but after staying overnight in Foping and persuading his wife, they continued forward. Braving the rain all the way, it finally cleared up when they reached Mian County.
Who says that old people have less passion? Our laughter, full of沧桑(cangsang), follows the rivers;
In the hearts of ordinary people, the life of the elderly in their later years is spent idly playing mahjong on the street, practicing calligraphy at home, or fishing by the riverbank. Few venture out for sightseeing tours, let alone motorcycle trips to Tibet, but the late-sixties life of Gao Qingqi is rich and colorful, full of possibilities.
"You ride the bike, I accompany you, crossing mountains and rivers for thousands of miles, chasing dreams through wind and rain, traveling far and wide brings endless joy... A mix of sweetness and bitterness, breathtaking scenery along the way, if asked where the dream lies, it's underfoot." On November 28th this year, CCTV Channel Three, hosted by Li Yong and Wang Guan, welcomed a special guest couple—the Gaos from Han Cheng, Shaanxi Province. In candid, humorous conversation with host Li Yong, the couple narrated their daring motorcycle trip to Tibet, reaching the Potala Palace in Lhasa, sharing the hardships and eventual joy of fulfilling their "sunset dream."
Moved deeply, the female guest Cheng Suiyuan stood up and sang their self-composed song "If Asked Where the Dream Lies," expressing the couple's excitement and happiness. Sitting beside his wife, Gao Qingqi recalled the fatigue and difficulties of the journey through the Sichuan-Tibetan and Qinghai-Tibetan routes, the mesmerizing landscapes, and the simple warmth of the local Tibetan people, tears welling up in his eyes. It was as if he had returned to the journey, back to the place where dreams took flight...
Fearing failure and loss of face upon return,
"The harder the road, the closer I feel to Lhasa, the more motivated I become. Crossing the Mila Mountain at an altitude of 5013 meters, it only took four hours. On September 27th, arriving in Lhasa in the rain, the Potala Palace looked milky white. We were extremely excited when we saw it. I stopped the car, and like children, we both jumped and cheered: Lhasa, Potala Palace, we've come!"
When the couple reached Litang County at an altitude of 4000 meters, having crossed Zheduo Mountain, Ga'ershi Mountain, Jianziwan Mountain, and Haizi Mountain, Gao's wife experienced severe altitude sickness—headache, fever, unable to eat, and really 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 the motorcycle. In the end, his wife decided to continue onward.
"To travel from Chengdu, Qionglai, Ya'an via National Highway 318 to Lhasa is the true Sichuan-Tibet route. Due to ongoing road repairs, the road was particularly difficult to navigate. Especially between Litang and Batang, over 130 kilometers were muddy roads." Gao Qingqi recalled that the road conditions in Litang were terrible, requiring lights on throughout the day. Mud splashed by vehicles behind turned them into terracotta warriors, covered in dust and soil, sometimes forcing them to push the motorcycle. Still, they managed to cover 380 kilometers each day.
Reporter: It’s said that your Tibet trip was very low-key, not telling others before leaving and not boasting upon return. To avoid grand welcome ceremonies from old friends and colleagues, you intentionally stayed an extra day in Weinan, but eventually ended up at the CCTV studio. What exactly happened?
Gao Qingqi (with a knowing smile): Initially, someone called the Han Cheng TV station hotline, leading to an interview and report. Then on November 18th, I received an invitation from CCTV Channel Three's "Towards Happiness" program 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. But my daughter-in-law and family persuaded us, saying such opportunities are rare in a lifetime and shouldn't be missed. Simultaneously, I wanted to use this opportunity to encourage more elderly friends to step out like young people, towards nature, broaden horizons, increase knowledge, and appreciate the beautiful landscapes of our country. So, being high-profile once was justifiable. Thus, on November 23rd, we took the train to Beijing, and the program aired on November 28th.
Facing family opposition, Gao Qingqi remained resolute, saying: "Taking a plane to Tibet only allows you to see the peaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, what's the point?" Subsequently, he specifically bought a 125cc motorcycle worth over 6000 yuan and gradually convinced his wife and children.
Gao Qingqi (with uncontainable excitement): On December 3rd, during the interview, he passionately recited his self-composed poem "Dreams Never Grow Old"—
We are tireless oxen, diligently plowing ahead in the gentle evening breeze;
We are the vibrant evening glow, radiating beautiful and enchanting brilliance like the sunrise;
Our vitality sings the battle songs of our youth;
Who says that old age lacks joy? Our songs fly with the birds!
Who says that old age lacks courage? Everywhere, our footprints remain in the mountains and waters;
We love, think, find joy, and act in our old age;
Holding onto youthful dreams, we embrace nature across lakes and seas, mountains and rivers;
Igniting dreams,
Chasing dreams,
Finding happiness and joy on the path to dreams, enjoying health and longevity!
Reporter: How do you think the elderly should spend their later years? Do you have any secrets to maintaining good health?
Gao Qingqi: For health preservation, I have no other experience to share except maintaining a good mood. Also, under manageable circumstances, the elderly should try to step out of their homes, participate in activities, travel outside, broaden their horizons, increase knowledge, and exercise. Keeping oneself healthy reduces illness or minimizes it. First, it reduces the burden on children, second, it cuts down on national medical expenses, third, one avoids suffering and hardship—why wouldn't this be beneficial?
Sharing the interview "Going on CCTV was an unexpected harvest"
Who says that old people don't have dreams? Our dreams soar in the sky;
To pursue dreams on the road finding happiness and joy, enjoying health and longevity!
Reporter: This Tibet trip, what moved you the most? What left a deep impression?
Gao Qingqi: What moved me was the warm sincerity of the Tibetan people. Regardless of adults or children, they greet strangers with genuine smiles saying "Tashi Delek." If you encounter difficulties, they voluntarily lend a helping hand without asking for anything in return. What left a deep impression were the college students who biked from Chengdu to Lhasa. Their liveliness, innocence, vitality, and perseverance inspired and encouraged me, pushing me forward. Another was the devout Tibetan pilgrims going to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Their loyalty and steadfast determination became my role model. Along the way, I met some cycling tourists from Xi'an. Meeting fellow countrymen away from home, I shared bananas and apples I bought in Qionglai and distributed sausages to the Tibetans I encountered, sharing with them.
Reporter: The couple traveled to Tibet, not by plane or train, but by motorcycle via the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet routes, which must have been quite dangerous. How did you address this issue?
Gao Qingqi: Regarding this, I was fully prepared mentally. As I told my children when they tried to dissuade me, I am going on a tour, not an adventure. There's no need to gamble with my life. If I experience altitude sickness and can't drive or if there are landslides blocking the way, I'll turn back. The lesson I learned from this trip is that tourism is not an adventure and must be realistic.
Reporter: In the future, do you have plans or hopes to take your wife on more motorcycle tours?
Gao Qingqi: In two years, I plan to drive with my wife to fulfill our dreams of visiting Mohe in Heilongjiang, Northern Xinjiang, and Hainan. If possible, I also hope to take the Yunnan-Tibet route to revisit Tibet. At that time, I will celebrate my 70th birthday with these travel experiences and face another challenge in life.
From Rumei crossing the Lancang River Bridge entering the Nujiang Grand Canyon, the canyon has ninety-nine bends, steep slopes, sharp turns, making driving difficult. Since the section from Ranwu Lake to Tongmai is prone to landslides and mudslides, known as the "death zone," one side is the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the other side Gangrigabu Snow Mountain and Azagongla Glacier, winding roads filled with danger. Although it was icy and snowy, Gao's shirt was soaked with sweat.
Quiet departure
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Gao Qingqi: Honestly speaking, taking my wife on a motorcycle trip to Tibet has been a dream of mine for many years, not a sudden impulse. For this trip to Tibet, I researched extensively online about road conditions, weather characteristics, and local customs, spending over half a year preparing. The actual shopping and preparation took over a month. When people heard I planned to ride a motorcycle to Tibet, some of my old colleagues and friends expressed willingness to join me. As for those who didn't come along, I understand—not everyone can be as committed and serious as me.
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