On October 26, Italian explorer and internationally renowned hiker Vina Camarota continued her journey through the historical sites along the ancient Silk Road, having just traversed key locations in Gansu province, including Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Jinchang, and Wuwei. Her latest stops included the Shifo Valley National Forest Park and the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou.
While by the Yellow River, Vina took the opportunity to learn local dialects, mastering phrases such as “zan jing,” “wo ye,” and “liang huo,” which mean “good” in the Lanzhou dialect.
From October 15 to 28, Vina is on an expedition across the Golden Segment of the Silk Road in Gansu, visiting cities like Dunhuang and Jiayuguan. At Jiayuguan, she even experienced the historical significance of ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges firsthand.
At the age of 75, Vina’s passion for exploration was sparked back in 2000 when she began studying “The Travels of Marco Polo.” Inspired by his journey, she embarked on her own dream of retracing Polo’s path along the Silk Road. After more than two years of meticulous preparation and rigorous travel, Vina has crossed 14 countries across Eurasia, covering a remarkable 22,000 kilometers. China, as the 15th country she will traverse, stands as the culmination of her ambitious quest.
In Dunhuang, Vina officially launched the “Vina’s Silk Road Journey in China” series of events. She is captivated by the city’s rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural arts, and unique local customs, feeling compelled to document these experiences through her lens and share them globally.
“At Jiayuguan, I visited the Jiayuguan Fortress and the Cliffside Great Wall, both pivotal sites for ancient trade and cultural exchange,” Vina noted. Her explorations have not only allowed her to appreciate the unique natural scenery along the Silk Road but have also deepened her understanding of the cultural significance embedded in this ancient trade route.
During her time in Wuwei, she explored the Leitai Han Culture Museum and witnessed the exhilarating performance of “Liangzhou Drum,” known as the “soul of the West.” She wandered among the bronze chariots and horse figurines, immersing herself in the grandeur of ancient scenes. At the Wuwei Confucian Temple, she reflected on the Confucian values that have influenced centuries of scholarship and ethics. Additionally, she visited the innovative “Two Mountains” practice base and the memorial for the “Six Old Men” who fought desertification, where she was inspired by their determination.
In Zhangye, she paused in front of the Marco Polo statue on the Euro-style street, feeling a connection to the enthusiasm and dedication Marco displayed on his journey. “Each of these locations has made a lasting impression on me,” she shared.
“This trip has brought me countless friendships and made my experience in China even more colorful,” Vina concluded.
