To My 26-Year-Old Self | A 1,000 km Road Trip to a Windy Place with My 11-Month-Old Daughter

May you have dreams as your steed, and find rest wherever you go.
Weibo: ChangZaiXin- | Xiaohongshu: ChangZaiXin-

Destination: Yunnan
Travel Dates: January 17, 2023 · 5 Days
Cost per Person (CNY): [Not specified]
Travel Companions: Traveling with a child

Let Me Tell You My Story First

This year marks my fifth year writing long-form travel journals on Mafengwo.

I've always been passionate about documenting my travel stories through words, photos, and videos. Five years of this, and counting.

I know—in the age of short videos, people's patience for long-form travelogues has dwindled to near zero. But for creators on Mafengwo, these long journals are our treasure and our passion.

March 12, 2019
My Hainan travelogue was my first time being featured as the "Honeycomb Headliner." Back then, I had just graduated from university and was interning while job-hunting. That overnight fame didn't make me forget my初心 (original intention), so I kept creating.
🔗 Link to that article

May 20, 2021
My Shanghai travelogue was my second time being featured as the "Honeycomb Headliner." I had just gotten married and was on my honeymoon with Cesc in Shanghai. Sharing my joy on social media, I received so many blessings from everyone. I was deeply moved.
🔗 Link to that article

Over the years, I've used the simplest words, the warmest photos, and the most authentic videos to record my travel stories. I'm truly grateful for everyone's ongoing support and attention.

Today, through this platform, I'd like to share something joyful with you.

I, Chang Zai Xin, became a mother!

About the Role Transition 🎀 – Vlog

Haha! Yes! In this short year, our family welcomed a new member—the adorable little "Bean Sprout" (our daughter). That's why I haven't written a travelogue for a year—I went and had a baby!

Here's a video for you to enjoy. It was created by Mr. Cesc from my late pregnancy through my postpartum confinement period.

I am a mother, but I am also myself.

I believe most of us have heard these words growing up: - "It's because of you that Mom gave up her career." - "It's because of you that Mom gave up her freedom." - "It's because of you that Mom gave up her choices." ...

I will never say these things to Bean Sprout. Because these words always taint the pure essence of a mother's love.

I am a mother. But I am also myself.

❤️

To a Windy Place 🍃 – Vlog

Time flies. Bean Sprout is already 11 months old. Since her birth, we haven't taken her on a proper trip anywhere far. With the TV drama Meet Yourself (去有风的地方) becoming a hit, this once-popular travel blogger's heart started itching.

No hesitation. No second-guessing. I packed up and left!

Just a few days before heading back to our hometown for Chinese New Year's Eve, we took Bean Sprout on a 1,000 km road trip to Yunnan.

Here's a freshly made video of our Yunnan family trip. I hope that those of you watching this will feel happy and uplifted!

Memories Before Age One

"Will she even remember this at such a young age?" "There's no point taking her out; she won't remember anything!" "Taking a baby on a trip is just for your own satisfaction; she has no idea what's going on!" ...

Lately, these voices keep appearing on my social media. I've been questioning myself: Am I really depriving my daughter of her autonomy, as they say?

Cesc comforted me: "Honey, I believe seeing the world has never been about age. Traveling at any age brings its own unique joys. What matters is that every moment we spend together is incredibly happy. As for the meaning of travel, Bean Sprout will find it herself. Besides, why does she need to know? As long as she's doubly happy being with us, that's enough!"

These words pulled me out of my spiral of guilt.

So, friends, are you ready to clean out my photo album with me? Come on!

The Photos My Dad Took for Us 📷

Many friends ask me: Did you hire a local photographer, or did you take these yourselves?

I have to give a big shout-out to our tripod—my dad! He was the photographer throughout the entire trip. Clean compositions, perfect angles, clever use of light. He probably has no idea that his work is about to be praised by netizens everywhere. I have to admit—he's a petroleum engineer held back by photography! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Photo Showcase ❶ – Fuxian Lake

Photo Showcase ❷ – Dali Ancient Town

Photo Showcase ❸ – Longkan Pier

Photo Showcase ❹ – Shaxi Ancient Town

Photo Showcase ❺ – Shanfeng Courtyard

Yunnan 5-Day, 4-Night Road Trip Itinerary ‼️

🚗 Day 1: Chengdu → Fuxian Lake → Accommodation
🚗 Day 2: Fuxian Lake → Dali Ancient Town → Accommodation
🚗 Day 3: Dali Ancient Town → Longkan Pier → Shaxi Ancient Town → Accommodation
🚗 Day 4: Shaxi Ancient Town → Panzhihua → Accommodation
🚗 Day 5: Panzhihua → Chengdu

(Cesc and I took turns driving. We left Chengdu around 6:00 AM and arrived at Fuxian Lake by 5:30 PM. Bean Sprout didn't cry or fuss the entire way—she either played by herself or slept. She did have a few dirty diapers, but by now we've mastered the skill of changing diapers and feeding her in the car. We stopped at 5 service areas along the way and witnessed all four seasons during the drive!)

The First Beautiful Sight After a 10-Hour Drive

I couldn't wait to capture it.

【Chengjiang ♥︎♡】 – The welcome gift was the wind of Fuxian Lake.

The title was romantic. The reality was harsh. Truly, we had arrived at a windy place. At 2°C (35.6°F), we were freezing by the lake. The weather that day was terrible. We had planned to visit three spots: Moon Bay Wetland Park, Fuhai Bay, and Luchong Scenic Area. But the first spot alone made us retreat.

This was the only place in Yunnan where we could get so close to the seagulls. If the sun isn't out at Fuxian Lake this season, don't go. It's just too cold. We didn't even dare to take Bean Sprout down to the lakeside. The wind stung our faces. 😣

So we only managed a couple of couple photos. 💏

To make the trip worthwhile, I braved the cold and pressed the shutter with my trembling hands. And of course, we got one aerial shot we could be proud of.

If you're planning a trip to Yunnan, I still recommend adding Fuxian Lake to your itinerary. We were just unlucky with the weather. But catching a sunrise or sunset, feeding the seagulls, and playing on the beach here would make it a fantastic place to take the kids!

【Dali ♥︎♡】 – The Ancient Town is Cangshan Mountain's Last Gentleness and Romance

I've visited Dali Ancient Town many times since I was young. But back then, I didn't have such advanced photography equipment. A phone was enough to travel the world.

Writing this brings back memories.

2018 vs. 2023
Before Motherhood vs. After Motherhood

Many people think a commercialized ancient town isn't worth visiting. But I disagree. Dali Ancient Town is one of China's top ten ancient towns, well-preserved, with many original residents still living within its walls. This adds a rich cultural atmosphere to the entire town.

Nestled against Cangshan Mountain ⛰️ and facing Erhai Lake 🌊, strolling through the streets and alleys of the ancient town lets you take in all the romance before you.

Winter in Dali Ancient Town is warm and sunny, as if it's a gentle gift from Cangshan.

Must-visit spots I recommend: - Cangshan Gate - Erhai Gate - South Gate Tower - Wuhua Tower - Renmin Road - Yangren Street (Foreigner Street)

You can also follow the main roads—Renmin Road, Yu'er Road, and Fuxing Road—to hit most of the major sights.

The red walls of the ancient town look great in any photo. Cesc's camera kept capturing us, and I love every single frame. 😍

Now I finally understand why so many people choose to live in Dali. The "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" aren't just empty words.

The ancient town is huge. If you have enough time, you could easily spend two full days here and not get bored. Along the way, you'll see plenty of original handmade crafts. As a craft lover myself, I naturally wanted to hunt down some affordable little treasures.

Bean Sprout was completely captivated by all the colorful little things. At such a young age, she already has her own sense of aesthetics!

My only regret this time was not being able to visit the local market and food stalls. Traveling with a baby means you have to consider her schedule. Bean Sprout has been amazing—excited at the scenic spots, and falling asleep during the drives.

So if you ask me whether she knows she's traveling, my answer is: She definitely knows!

The light will eventually fall on you, and you will shine brilliantly.

💛

【Dali ♥︎♡】 – Meeting Deep Winter at the Radiant Longkan Pier

It took us about 15 minutes to drive from Dali Ancient Town to Longkan Pier. Near the pier, there are plenty of makeshift parking lots, but you'll need to walk the rest of the way.

As one of Dali's hottest Instagram-worthy spots, Longkan Pier was packed with tourists.

Before leaving, I'd seen so many bloggers sharing photos of seagulls and red metasequoia trees. When we got there, all I saw were Erhai Lake, crowds of people, and a flock of wild ducks floating on the water. 🦆

But that didn't dampen my love for this pier one bit.

I thought about finding a café to sit down. But Bean Sprout got super excited seeing so many people. Looking around, she was once again the youngest tourist at this scenic spot.

Our original plan for the afternoon was: Longkan Pier → Shuanglang Ancient Town → Xizhou Ancient Town. But plans change. You could easily spend a day or two at Longkan Pier and still not get enough.

Cesc took Bean Sprout to enjoy the breeze by the lake, while I wandered around to scout photo spots.

Here are some photo tips for Longkan Pier:

• Red Metasequoia Trees: They're mainly on the right side of the pier. (This season, I only saw yellow metasequoia, and there were tons of people taking photos. I gave up on this spot entirely.)
• The Famous S-Curve Bay: Great for cycling along the lake. (Dali's weather is beautiful, and cycling by the lake is truly pleasant.)
• The Rocky Beach: Almost all our photos were taken here. We brought our own stools, sat by Erhai Lake, felt the breeze, listened to music, and Bean Sprout was so happy!!

Surprised that our photos look so empty? Here's the secret: When we got to the rocky beach, it was really crowded. But Cesc pulled out the props we'd prepared—a chair 🪑 and a toy goose 🦢. Bean Sprout was wearing a crocheted hat and sweater I'd made for her. There were plenty of people taking photos, but when Bean Sprout sat down, everyone's attention was drawn to her adorable little figure. She instantly became the little celebrity of Longkan Pier that afternoon. And that's how our beautiful photos were born!

I have to say: Having a daughter is just the best!

Oh, and one more thing: If you're traveling without kids, you can catch a sunrise here. 🌅 Winter sunrises in Dali are usually around 8:00 AM. The best spot is at Longkan Ancient Ferry ‼️ Make sure you don't navigate to the wrong place, because Longkan Pier and Longkan Ancient Ferry are quite far apart.

As for us, with Bean Sprout in tow, the days of early mornings and late nights are long gone. 😃

【Jianchuan ♥︎♡】 – My Favorite Ancient Town in China is Shaxi

Here, you'll find the ancient Tea Horse Road 🐴, ancient trees 🌳 and buildings 🏟️ steeped in history, hidden treasure shops 🎏 showcasing intangible cultural heritage, crystal-clear streams with flowers and plants 💐 along their banks, and local homes 🏡 with curling smoke from chimneys.

Let me show you a comparison:

2018 vs. 2023

Four years ago, I was still in university. Back then, Shaxi had almost no crowds. Who doesn't love an ancient town that hasn't been commercialized? That's why this town has been on my travel list all these years. I always knew I'd go back one day.

And now, the opportunity has come!

Four years later, I've kept my promise. I've completed my travel list. And this time, I'm revisiting with my daughter!

If Dali is about "wind, flowers, snow, and moon," then Shaxi is pure leisure and elegance. In the sunset, Shaxi has the confidence and grace of a noble lady. Her bright, radiant smile makes your heart flutter.

Without further ado, let me show you the photos!

This spot is at the Ancient Stage. There's a café called "Chi Cha Qu" (Let's Go Have Tea). Many friends stop here for photos, and we're no exception. Any shot you take here turns out great!

Can anyone argue that Shaxi Ancient Town has multiple "onlys"? - The only preserved Tea Horse Road market - The only ancient town to gain fame abroad - The only ancient town with a Poetry Tower

Before we knew it, Cesc and I were swept up in Shaxi's rustic charm. The time here feels old, like a movie you never want to end.

Shaxi Ancient Town is actually quite small. The Ancient Stage is its center. There's a shop called Grandma A-Rui's Store, which I love. I went in and bought a little tiger toy for Bean Sprout. The handmade intangible cultural heritage crafts are worth exploring. Grandma A-Rui is so warm and friendly. Cesc captured this moment with his camera: me holding Bean Sprout, Bean Sprout holding her little tiger, and Grandma beside us. I love such heartwarming scenes. ♥️

Across from Grandma A-Rui's store is Youli Zakka, a shop with beautiful clothes and accessories. Its entrance is very eye-catching and perfect for photos.

Of course, we also visited the filming locations of Meet Yourself: Youfeng Xiaoguan (Windy Little House) and Supo Zakka. We enjoyed a cup of smooth coffee ☕ and soaked in the same vibe as the fairy sister (the lead actress) from the show. Absolutely perfect!

We wandered through the ancient yet clean streets and alleys, collecting beauty in this Tea Horse Road village in the depths of winter. The green leaves sparkled under the sunlight, dotting the ancient town.

Winter had settled into the sunny Shaxi. There was no damp air, no dreary drizzle. Just winter itself, scattered in the golden sunlight filtering through the walls.

We walked out of the ancient village and strolled by the lake. The trees this season had only their bare branches, reflected on the lake like an oil painting, dazzlingly beautiful.

Finally, here are some recommended photo spots 📸: 1. Ancient Stage 2. Various small shops 3. Banshan (Half-Mountain) Coffee 4. Yujin Bridge 5. Xianfeng Bookstore 6. Bohe (Mint) Coffee

Every place has its own unique story. So don't be stingy with your itinerary—go to a windy place together! 🍃

【Jianchuan ♥︎♡】 – The Treehouse from a Fairytale Really Exists

Oh my goodness ‼️ How can such a beautiful courtyard exist?! 😭

Before going to Shaxi Ancient Town, I'd done some research and was immediately drawn to this place. I was determined to take Bean Sprout to see it for myself. I thought it was inside the ancient town, but it turned out to be even more secluded than I'd imagined.

Wouldn't it be amazing to take a family photo shoot here? I never thought a fairytale courtyard could actually exist in real life.

The courtyard is called Shanfeng Courtyard (Mountain Wind Courtyard). It's about a 15-minute drive from Shaxi Ancient Town. We parked by the main road and walked up the hill. Bean Sprout's props always surprise me—they blended perfectly with the scenery here.

Chatting with the owners, I learned they are a couple who warmly welcomed us to look around. They have two adorable children. 👶🏻 The family of four moved here years ago. Unfortunately, we came at a time when they were renovating, so the courtyard is currently closed to visitors. We took some photos, rested for a while, and then left.

The owner said they'll reopen in two months. At that time, they'll offer tie-dyeing experiences, craft activities, coffee and afternoon tea, and occasional music parties. There are also one or two guest rooms, but there's no booking system. You just have to show up in person. Whether you can stay or not is entirely up to fate.

I couldn't help but marvel: Some people really do build their ideal lives without hesitation, creating a utopian fairytale courtyard in the mountains. Far from the city's noise, there's only the gentle mountain breeze, cozy sunlight, free air, and an unpretentious, free-spirited vibe.

If you come to Shaxi, don't miss Shanfeng Courtyard.

Three Years of Marriage: I Want to Say Thank You

Some people say you'll only know if you married the right person after having a child.

I once thought postpartum depression would definitely happen to me. I gained stubborn weight. I got stretch marks that would only fade, never disappear. I lost track of day and night. My breasts became saggy and swollen. I was anxious about my unstable milk supply. I lost my freedom.

But what I didn't expect was that on the very first day after giving birth, Cesc used all his annual leave for the year to take care of me during my confinement month. For an entire month, I never changed a single diaper for our daughter. I never washed her little bottom. I never gave her a body massage. He was so immersed in his role as a father that I even started to wonder: Does he not love me as much anymore?

But when I was sorting through our photos, I realized: His camera was full of nothing but me.

It hit me then: Bean Sprout isn't a subtraction from my life; she's a bonus. His love for me extends to everything I love.

Good relationships don't need to be dramatic. They're like a flower blooming in the river of time—simple yet joyful. And默契 (understanding) doesn't come from nowhere; it needs to be cultivated in daily life.

Thank you for giving me the right to be uniquely beautiful.

On this long road ahead, may we keep dancing together every day.

Bean Sprout's Travel Essentials 💡

① Car Ride Comfort Items 🧸

A car seat is non-negotiable for long road trips. Before we left, I was worried about whether Bean Sprout would sit still. I'd thought of all kinds of contingency plans, but none of them were needed. How did I get so lucky to have such an angel baby? 👶🏻 She made everything so easy!

Tips for moms traveling with babies on road trips: ✔️ Prepare some of your baby's favorite snacks ✔️ Bring familiar comfort toys ✔️ Pacifier

I used all of these for Bean Sprout. And after she woke up, I'd occasionally take her out of the car seat to play and take photos—like this.

② Bean Sprout's Photo Props 🦢

- Toy goose 🦢 - Small chair 🪑 - Carp hairband 🐟 Mainly used for posing.

③ Bean Sprout's Mode of Transport 🛴

• Stroller
• Baby carrier

Since Bean Sprout can't walk yet and we were driving, we brought both a stroller and a carrier. I'm not exaggerating—the entire trunk was filled with her stuff.

④ Bean Sprout's Little Bags 🍄

For this trip, I specially matched two small bags for her: a mushroom bag and a hazelnut bag. They made frequent appearances in photos.

Let's Collect This World Together!

I believe that traveling with a child is a romantic form of parenting.

The greatest happiness is having your loved ones right before your eyes. The greatest happiness is being able to share the joy of the scenery together. The greatest happiness is the unforgettable experiences along the journey.

I'd rather be a sister to my daughter. Together, we'll collect this world!

This travelogue is copyrighted by ChangZaiXin. Any form of reproduction requires the author's permission.
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