Linshan chose to visit Xinjiang because of the popularity of the TV series 'My Altay,' which her mother and aunt were very fond of. They were inspired to experience the local culture and scenery depicted in the show.
The main challenges included the high cost of travel, especially for a family, and the long distances involved. The flight tickets were particularly expensive, with each person spending around 5,000 to 7,000 RMB, and the need to transfer flights in cities like Guangzhou added to the complexity.
The most memorable part of Linshan's trip to Kashgar was visiting the Kashgar Old City and the local bazaars. She was particularly impressed by the vibrant atmosphere and the unique, exotic culture that felt different from anything she had experienced before.
Linshan found the natural landscapes in Xinjiang beautiful but not entirely unique, as she had seen similar scenery in the US. She mentioned that while places like Yuhu and Xiata were stunning, they didn't feel as distinct compared to American landscapes.
Linshan gained cultural insights through interactions with locals, such as during a photo shoot in Kashgar where she learned about the lives of Uyghur women. She also experienced the hospitality of a Kazakh family during a stay in Qiongkushitai, which left a lasting impression.
While 'My Altay' initially didn't appeal to Linshan, she later appreciated the series for its portrayal of a simple, rural lifestyle and the scenic beauty of Xinjiang. However, she felt the hardships of life in Altay, as depicted in the book, were somewhat glossed over in the TV adaptation.
Linshan observed significant environmental degradation caused by tourism, such as littering in natural areas like Qiongkushitai. She also reflected on the broader impact of tourism on local communities and the need for sustainable practices.
林珊其实在看了《再见爱人》之后就很想去新疆(虽然在节目里完全忘提),而不是众所周知的《我的阿勒泰》。不过,新疆之行中阿勒泰不断被亲人提起,也是一件小小的插曲。这期节目中,我和趟分享了自己的新疆旅行经历,也把李娟的原著和电视剧改编放在一起,分享了其中的看点和反思。 BGM: Long Road Acoustic Travel by Dmytro Kuvalin from Pixabay