In 1994, I rode a bicycle from Beijing to Hong Kong, about 2,000 miles, for National Geographic TV and Monitor Radio.
Since I'd started reporting as a photojournalist about China in 1988, I was in love with the rich history, beautiful country, and the warmth of her people, especially in the countryside. So I wanted to explore rural China and share it with the world, especially Americans, who were already beginning to fear the People's Republic. It was the adventure of a lifetime!
But then I didn't return to China until 2015, more than 20 years. So many incrediable changes, beyond the shiny buildings, high speed trains, and mobile phones, are now coming to average citizens in the more central, rural, and rugged areas too. So now I want to bicycle the whole route again, all 2,000 miles, to find old friends and document the many positive changes.
First I wanted to find one special family from 1994, who lived in a dirt house in the mountains of Hubei, and prepared us a Spring Festival feast as honored guests - in October. The Lui family was the most generous family we met in China two decades ago, but can I find them now?
Watch & see!
