Mao Qingyun’s “Travel with Me” Postcard Exhibition Held at Northeast Normal University
Mao Qingyun, a 2009 graduate from the School of Education at Northeast Normal University, spent her four years in university taking solo backpacking trips to over 30 cities during her spare time — from Mohe in the north to Sanya in the south. In every city she visited, she mailed herself a postcard. Yesterday, these postcards, stamped with postmarks from different cities, were displayed on the first-floor hall of the university library. Through this exhibition, she bid farewell to her university days.
Happiness
Xitang: Xitang is truly beautiful. It fulfilled all my fantasies about an ancient water town in the Jiangnan region.
Shaoxing: Among all the cities I’ve been to, Shaoxing is my favorite, without a doubt. The city is very small, and I especially love “Changqiao Straight Street.” In such narrow alleys, I could always see a younger version of myself buying 50-cent candies. In those simplest times, all I wanted was to play on a seesaw alone. Walking here brings back childhood memories, and my heart feels especially peaceful.
Helplessness
Suzhou: Suzhou’s classical gardens are definitely worth seeing, but I got lost on my way back to the hostel. I wandered unfamiliar streets for over an hour before realizing that the place I needed to go was just a turn behind me.
Xiamen: In this city full of artistic and boutique-lifestyle youths, I went through something very un-boutique — due to insufficient budget and forgetting my bank card, when I arrived at the hostel, I only had 80 yuan. Helplessly, I had to ask a good friend for help to resolve the “financial crisis.”
Hardship
Wuhan: At that time, I had some unpleasant experiences at school. Coincidentally, it was cherry blossom season at Wuhan University, so I bought a hard-seat train ticket and traveled for 24 hours straight to Wuhan. Because I was in a rush, I only stayed in Wuhan for 24 hours. To walk around more, I slept for just two hours.
Sanya: I happened to go to Sanya during the summer vacation. I traveled alone from Changchun Station to Hainan, which took almost 43 hours. Looking back now, I really consider myself a “tough girl.” But after the hardship, looking out at the sea in Sanya, it was truly beautiful.
Leaving Footprints in Over 30 Cities
“Using postmarks and postcards to document every place I’ve been, from one end of the world to the other. I just want to prove to my future self that youth is not pale, but passionate and persistent. I love my youthful boldness, and even more, my simple dreams… Welcome to my fearless youth.” In the preface of the exhibition, Mao Qingyun introduced herself in this way.
Mao Qingyun, who is from Chongqing, is not very tall but speaks with a strong voice. She said the idea of mailing postcards to herself came from her father. “My dad is also a travel enthusiast. During my four years in university, I received postcards he sent me from 26 different cities across China.”
So, just like her father, Mao Qingyun kept setting off, mailing postcards to herself, her father, and her friends. From Mohe, Harbin, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Qingdao, and Shaoxing, to Wuhan and Hainan… From north to south, Mao Qingyun left her footprints in over 30 cities across China.
“Along the way, there was happiness, fulfillment, confusion, and also hardship…” Mao Qingyun said that behind every postcard on display lies a memory of her connection with a city.
Try New Things Before Turning 26
The exhibition ends on July 6th, which also marks Mao Qingyun’s return to her hometown, Chongqing. Although her university days are coming to an end, she said her journey will not stop here. “I’ll go back home and stay for a while, then head to Guizhou. I plan to go to Yunnan during this year’s National Day holiday.” Mao Qingyun said that she will teach in the mountainous areas of Banan District, Chongqing, for a year. Whenever she has free time, she will continue traveling.
After completing her teaching assignment, Mao Qingyun plans to return to Northeast Normal University to pursue a master’s degree. She also intends to explore Jilin Province in detail. “It may be hard to come back here after I graduate with my master’s.”
Mao Qingyun said that before turning 26, she wants to freely try new things. “Once I start working and get married, the courage and drive I have now will be restricted. So, while I’m still young and brave, I must seize the opportunity to see more of the world.”
Advice for Student Backpackers
Mao Qingyun’s exhibition attracted many students, who felt both envy and aspiration. Many are eager to follow in her footsteps and begin their own spontaneous journeys.
Based on her experience, Mao Qingyun offers some advice to university students who want to travel alone.
Food: When you visit a place you’ve never been to, of course, you should try the local specialties. But don’t expect too much, because everyone has different tastes.
Accommodation: Youth hostels are the most suitable option for solo backpackers — they’re affordable, safe, and have a nice environment. More importantly, you’ll meet others who share your travel dreams.
Transportation: Trains are the most economical mode of transportation, making them ideal for students who haven’t started earning yet. If the journey is too long or train tickets are unavailable, and you need to take a flight, you’ll need to plan your trip well in advance, as the earlier you book a flight, the greater the discount.