A baseball cap, a light-colored sweater, and casual pants—just from his outfit, you can sense the essence of freedom. He Xiaokang, 65, lives in Swan Community, Baoding, Hebei Province. He has been involved in outdoor travel for the past 10 years. Though well into his senior years, he still looks as energetic as a young person.
Whether traveling solo through Sichuan or teaming up for desert crossings, He Xiaokang says the meaning of travel lies in courage and experience. Before retirement, he used his holidays to explore nearby destinations, embarking on outdoor trips every week. After retiring, with ample time on his hands, he gradually discovered the joy of being a “professional” traveler.
Opening He Xiaokang’s blog reveals a collection of 17,000 photos. “These simple images capture not just the scenery along the way, but also life’s gifts to me,” He says with deep satisfaction. “This is a snow mountain, this is the Shunan Bamboo Sea...” Pointing at the photos, he can name each one and recall its origin. Some moments were thrilling, others deeply moving.
One year, while traveling to Tibet with friends, an experienced “veteran traveler” reminded everyone to bring portable oxygen bags before boarding to handle any sudden altitude sickness. But before reaching their destination, a woman on the bus began experiencing severe altitude sickness. Her oxygen supply was running out, and without enough air, her life could have been in danger. Thanks to his strong physical condition, He Xiaokang resolutely gave her his own oxygen bag, buying her crucial time to return to camp. “When you’re out and about, the two things I fear most are getting sick or losing money—and luckily, I’ve avoided both so far. That’s also because I make detailed travel plans beforehand. Proper preparation before setting off is essential, and only by ensuring safety can you truly enjoy the journey.”
Over the years, he has traveled across the length and breadth of China—from Tengchong in the north to Hainan in the south. “I think the best version of myself is the one on the road. I’m still young; I’ve only just begun my journey!” He Xiaokang says with a smile.