On November 18, Ke Shichang and Zhai Xinjun arrived in Lanzhou, their 26th city on a three-year journey to hike around the world. However, when the two stopped at a small hotel near Baita Mountain Park on November 21, their cameras, down jackets, and mobile phones were stolen. On November 22, our newspaper reported the incident under the headline “‘Hiking the World’ Reaches Lanzhou, Thieves Strike at Hotel.” After the theft in Lanzhou, the hiking enthusiasts Ke Shichang and Zhai Xinjun received help from many kind-hearted locals. When a reporter met with Ke Shichang again on November 26, he had already packed his backpack and was preparing to set off once more from Lanzhou toward his ultimate dream. Regrettably, however, Zhai Xinjun had gone his separate way.
On the morning of November 26, a reporter met Ke Shichang in front of Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou. Strangely, Zhai Xinjun was not by his side. Ke Shichang told the reporter that on the day of the theft, Zhai Xinjun had decided to leave the group, citing the long stay in Lanzhou and insufficient funds. “Everyone has their own aspirations, and I didn’t want to hold him back. But I’m still wishing him a safe journey after traveling together from Shaanxi to Gansu,” said Ke Shichang. He added that having stayed in Lanzhou for some time, waiting for the case to be solved and the stolen items recovered would only further delay his trip. Left with no other choice, he decided to press on to fulfill his dream. According to the reporter, after learning about Ke Shichang’s situation, many hiking enthusiasts in Lanzhou extended their help. Pointing to the new tent in his backpack, Ke Shichang said that the owner of an outdoor gear store in Lanzhou, upon learning of his plight, contacted him through various means and provided him with a free double-layer winter tent. In addition, his friends abroad also planned to send him a new camera. Ke Shichang stated that although he had encountered temporary difficulties, these setbacks had not deterred him—in fact, they had strengthened his resolve to achieve his dream. “I’m grateful for the help from these kind people, and I won’t forget it.”