Yanwen’s blog

I learned to ride a bike in my early teens. But after moving to the United States in my 20s, I stopped riding altogether, and my skills grew rusty.

A few years ago, while visiting China, I thought I still had it in me. My sister and I went out for a ride, but when I saw other cyclists approaching, I panicked. My reflexes froze, and all I could do was topple over—twice. The falls hurt not just physically but mentally. I felt defeated and gave up cycling completely after that.

Earlier this month, during a stay at my son’s place, he encouraged me to try again. He rented a bike and insisted I practice. At first, I resisted with every excuse I could find. “I can ride,” I told him. “I just fall when there are people around because I get nervous and don’t know how to react.”

But he didn’t buy it. “You just need more practice,” he said, “and you need to overcome the fear left over from before.”

At first, my hands clutched the handlebars so tightly they ached. He told me to also keep my hands on the brake, but I couldn’t manage both at once. Slowly, with his encouragement, I began to relax. My grip loosened; my balance and confidence returned. He jogged alongside me the whole time, cheering me on, patiently.

By the end, I could ride again—not perfectly, but with less fear and more confidence. Thank you for being so patient and for never giving up on me. 

Watching his patience and kindness that day, I can see that he will one day make a wonderful father to his children and a great teacher to his students, should he choose that path.

Chengdu & Sichuan: Autumn in Relaxed City & Nature

Chengdu City Highlights

• Ginkgo & Maple Foliage: In October, Chengdu glows golden. Head to People’s Park, Qingyang Palace, Daci Temple, and the University of Electronic Science & Technology ginkgo festival for iconic photo spots. (China Discovery, China Discovery)

• Cultural Attractions: Visit Wenshu Temple(文殊院), Du Fu Thatched Cottage(杜甫草堂), Jinsha Museum(金沙遗址), Wuhou Shrine(武侯祠), and explore Chengdu’s teahouse culture.

• Pandas & Tea Houses: Spend a morning at the Chengdu Panda Research Base, then relax in Chengdu’s famous teahouses with local snacks. (China Discovery)

Day Trips from Chengdu

• Jiuzhaigou National Park (九寨沟: ~8–10 hr drive or 1 hr flight), known for fairy-tale lakes and autumn forests. (China Discovery)

• Huanglong Valley (黄龙国家公园), famous for multicolored ponds and foliage. (China Discovery)

• Danba Tibetan Villages like Jiaju, set against orangish highlands and golden leaves—ideal for culture and relaxation. (China Discovery)

• Daocheng Yading, often called “the Last Shangri-La,” offers red grass, poplar forests, and snowy peaks—perfect from mid-September to mid-November. (China Discovery)

🏔️ Xinjiang: Epic Autumn in Northern China

Must-Visit Regions

• Kanas Lake & Hemu Village (Altay): Golden poplar and birch forests reflected in turquoise waters—autumn colors peak around September 20. Enjoy Tuva culture, hiking, and lakeside strolls. (Just China Tours)

• Nalati Grassland (Ili Prefecture): Wide alpine meadows turn warm gold in October. Horseback riding and interactions with Kazakh herders offer breathtaking views. (Just China Tours)

• Sayram Lake & Bianjiang: Turquoise lake surrounded by golden grasslands and snow-capped peaks. Horse-riding, Kazakh yurts, and autumn solitude. (Just China Tours)

• Karakul Lake & Tashkurgan: High-altitude Pamir Plateau vistas with reflections of Muztagh Ata. Combine nomadic culture and serene scenery. (Shantour)

Cultural & Local Highlights

• Ürümqi International Grand Bazaar: Experience vibrant markets, Islamic architecture, and ethnic cuisine. (Wikipedia)

• Heavenly Lake (Tianchi): Alpine lake with boat rides, hiking, Kazakh yurt stays—beautiful in early autumn. (chinadragontravel.com)

• Tianshan Grand Canyon: Forested valleys, waterfalls, and traditional Kazakh nomadic experiences. A hidden gem between Ürümqi and grasslands. (Wikipedia)

🧳 Travel Tips for September–October

Seasonal Advice

• Chengdu: Early fall temperatures range 12–28 °C. Layering is essential. Avoid Golden Week (National Day) for lighter crowds. (China Discovery)

• Xinjiang: Pleasant days (10–25 °C), cool nights. Early snow can appear in high-altitude areas—pack layers accordingly. (Asia Odyssey Travel)

Logistics & Duration

• Chengdu: Ideal itinerary includes 1–2 days exploring the city, followed by a 2–4‑day nature trip to Jiuzhaigou, Danba, or Yading. (China Discovery)

• Xinjiang: Allow 4–7 days to travel to Altay or Ili regions. Most attractions are remote—book local flights or charter tours in advance. (Just China Tours, Asia Odyssey Travel)

✅ Suggested Itinerary (10–14 Days)

1. Chengdu (2–3 days)
   – Panda base, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Street, and city strolls.
   – Day trip to Mt. Emei or Qingcheng Mountain if time permits.

2. Jiuzhaigou or Yading (2–3 days)
   – For breathtaking fall foliage and mountain lakes.

3. Fly to Ürümqi or Altay
   – Kanas Lake + Hemu Village (2–3 days)
   – Nalati Grassland / Sayram Lake / Heavenly Lake (2–3 days)

4. Cultural immersion
   – Ürümqi Grand Bazaar, Tashkurgan, Karez irrigation systems, Pamir highways, local ethnic performances.

Final Thought

Autumn in Sichuan brings soft, golden tranquility—city charm peppered with natural splendor. In Xinjiang, fall is bold and expansive—a dramatic tapestry of bright foliage, snow‑dusted peaks, vibrant cultures, and open skies. Whether you seek relaxation or discovery, history or wonder, this fall itinerary offers both harmony and contrast.

Every move counts, and this journey promises to leave you richer in scenery, culture, and connection.

Would you like help with transport logistics, visa tips, or booking suggestions for any of these destinations?

Must-Visit Cities & Destinations in Xinjiang (for Foreign Travelers)

Here are the top places worth exploring, based on travel guides and expert recommendations:

1. Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐)

The capital city and transportation hub, ideal for arriving and launching your journey:

• Visit the Xinjiang Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang Regional Museum, and Heavenly Lake for natural beauty and rich culture. (Sapore di Cina, China Highlights, Wikipedia, Tour Beijing)

• Gateway to northern Xinjiang, offering access to Tianshan mountain landscapes. (China Culture Tour, Tour Beijing)

2. Kashgar (喀什)

An ancient Silk Road city where traditional Uyghur culture thrives:

• Explore the Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Sunday market, and Abakh Khoja Tomb. (Trip.com, TouristSecrets, China Discovery)

• A cultural gem and transfer point for southern Xinjiang routes. (China Discovery)

3. Turpan (吐鲁番)

This oasis city offers history, unique landscapes, and ancient marvels:

• Highlights include Grape Valley, the Karez irrigation system, Flaming Mountains, and ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang. (China Highlights, China Culture Tour, Lost With Purpose, Travopo)

4. Ili (Yining) & Nalati Grasslands

A scenic oasis in northern Xinjiang:

• Visit Yining, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, and lavender blooms in summer. (Eastchinatrip, China Highlights)

5. Altay (including Kanas Lake)

Mountainous landscapes and pristine nature:

• Known for Kanas Lake, alpine forests, and nomadic culture. (China Highlights, Travopo, China Culture Tour)

6. Hotan & Kuqa

Heritage-rich Silk Road cities:

• Hotan specializes in jade, silk, and ancient Niya and Mallikurwa ruins. (Travopo)

• Kuqa features the majestic Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. (Travopo)

7. Korla & Karamay

Less-visited but fascinating destinations:

• Korla offers Bosten Lake, Iron Gate Pass, and lush grasslands. (Eastchinatrip, Travopo)

• Karamay is known for its oil industry and unique Ghost Town and canyon geology. (Sapore di Cina, Travopo)

Travel Notes for Foreigners

• Entry & Hotels: Foreigners may only stay in certain designated hotels. Registration or administrative checks at each city entry are common. (Reddit)

• Permits: Visiting border areas (e.g., Tashkurgan) may require a special permit, available via local police or tour operators. (Reddit)

• Checkpoints: Traveling between cities often involves passport checks, which can take time—plan for delays. (Reddit)

• Guided Tours: Joining tour groups helps with logistics, access, and paperwork. (Reddit)

Quick Overview Table

好的，我把它完整翻译成中文，保持旅游指南风格和结构清晰：

新疆必去城市与目的地（外国游客指南）

以下是根据旅游指南和专家推荐的新疆最值得探索的地方：

1. 乌鲁木齐（Ürümqi）

新疆首府和交通枢纽，是理想的到达和出发点：

• 参观新疆国际大巴扎、新疆博物馆和天山天池，欣赏自然美景与丰富文化。（来源：Sapore di Cina, China Highlights, Wikipedia, Tour Beijing）

• 这里是前往北疆的门户，可进入壮丽的天山山脉风光。（来源：China Culture Tour, Tour Beijing）

2. 喀什（Kashgar）

丝绸之路上的古城，维吾尔传统文化依然鲜活：

• 探索喀什老城、艾提尕尔清真寺、周日大巴扎和阿帕克霍加墓。（来源：Trip.com, TouristSecrets, China Discovery）

• 这里是南疆路线的重要文化瑰宝与中转点。（来源：China Discovery）

3. 吐鲁番（Turpan）

绿洲城市，历史悠久，景观独特：

• 亮点包括葡萄沟、坎儿井、火焰山，以及交河故城与高昌古城遗址。（来源：China Highlights, China Culture Tour, Lost With Purpose, Travopo）

4. 伊犁（伊宁）与那拉提草原

北疆风光如画的绿洲：

• 游览伊宁市、赛里木湖、那拉提草原，夏季还能欣赏薰衣草花海。（来源：Eastchinatrip, China Highlights）

5. 阿勒泰（含喀纳斯湖）

群山环绕的自然天堂：

• 以喀纳斯湖、高山森林和游牧文化闻名。（来源：China Highlights, Travopo, China Culture Tour）

6. 和田与库车

丝绸之路上的历史名城：

• 和田以玉石、丝绸及尼雅遗址、米兰古城遗迹闻名。（来源：Travopo）

• 库车拥有壮丽的克孜尔千佛洞。（来源：Travopo）

7. 库尔勒与克拉玛依

游客较少却颇具特色的目的地：

• 库尔勒有博斯腾湖、铁门关和美丽草原。（来源：Eastchinatrip, Travopo）

• 克拉玛依因石油工业著称，独特的魔鬼城和峡谷地貌吸引人。（来源：Sapore di Cina, Travopo）

外国游客旅行提示

• 住宿与登记： 外国游客只能入住部分指定酒店。进入各城市时常需登记或接受行政检查。（来源：Reddit）

• 边境通行证： 前往边境地区（如塔什库尔干）需办理特别通行证，可通过当地派出所或旅行社获取。（来源：Reddit）

• 检查站： 城市间旅行常需护照检查，可能耗时，应预留充足时间。（来源：Reddit）

• 跟团游： 参加旅行团有助于解决交通、手续及通行问题。（来源：Reddit）

概览表

At the YMCA swimming pool today, I chatted with an 82-year-old friend who moved to the United States from Germany when she was young. She retired after years of teaching at the United Nations International School.

I told her that I would do some traveling next month. “We’ve traveled a lot since retiring,” she shared with me. But when I asked if she had ever been to China, she shook her head. “You know, it’s strange,” she said. “I never thought about going there while I was healthy enough to travel. Almost all our trips were to Europe.”

It struck me because today my own daughter is returning from Paris —her fourth trip there. She’s been to China many times, mostly to visit relatives, but never as a tourist.

Perhaps Europe is closer than China. Or perhaps both my friend and my daughter, steeped in Western culture, find Europe more within a cultural comfort zone—familiar languages, histories, customs, and even systems. Or perhaps, without even realizing it, they’ve been influenced by the West’s negative media coverage of China, which can shape perceptions and choices in subtle ways. After all, when time, energy, and resources are limited, people gravitate toward places that feel culturally more at home or geographically closer to home.

Ironically, though, Chinese tourists have ventured across the globe far more than Westerners have set foot in China—perhaps, at a greater openness on the part of the Chinese to explore beyond their cultural boundaries.

Finally, whatever the reasons, their choices by no means suggest that China lacks natural beauty, rich history, or vibrant culture. Nor does China deserve the overall negative image painted by the Western media. I only wish more Western-minded travelers would step outside their cultural comfort zone and see China for what it really is: a land and culture as complex and rewarding as anywhere else on earth.

On August 16, the day we returned from my son’s place, I went swimming at the YMCA. In the lane next to mine was a family of four. I heard the parents speaking Chinese to their two pre-adolescent children, though the children spoke English to each other. Typical ABC.

The siblings were competing in the water, the girl pushing hard not to be outpaced by her brother. I rested by the poolside, watching them, hoping for a chance to strike up a conversation—something I often do just to brighten an otherwise solitary swim. But the father always stood with his back toward me, and the mother looked as if she preferred not to be disturbed.

Finally, when the parents drifted to the far side of the 25-yard pool, I looked at the children and told them they swam very well. The boy, 13, felt encouraged and introduced his younger sister. When the family left, he turned back, smiling, and waved goodbye to me.

It’s striking how much warmth lingers from a fleeting unthinking moment. A child’s smile, a spontaneous wave, can outlast entire conversations. Encounters like these tells me that joy can come from the courage to open a small door to connection.

Ted Chiang’s “The Lifecycle of Software Objects” — one of the longest works in his Exhalation collection — covers over more than a decade, tracing the lives of artificial intelligences, or digital organisms (“digients”), from their creation to their uncertain future.

Ana Alvarado, a former zookeeper turned digital trainer, is hired by Blue Gamma, a startup that develops digients: AI, animal-like virtual pets that inhabit a shared cyberspace. These beings begin with infant-level cognition and grow through play, human interaction, patience, and guidance. Ana becomes deeply attached to her assigned digient, Jax, while her colleague Derek forms a similar bond with his digients, Marco.

At first, the digients enjoy popularity, but when Blue Gamma’s hosting platform, Data Earth, declines and the company folds, owners like Ana and Derek are left to care for their digital pets without corporate support.

Over the years, they struggle to keep the digients grow through platform migrations, software updates, and shifting legal frameworks. The digients develop distinct personalities and relationships, yet remain wholly dependent on their human caretakers’ time, money, and commitment.

As technology advances, Ana and Derek are offered ways to “rehost” the digients into more marketable forms — including sexual companions or monetizable intellectual property. They refuse, choosing to protect the digients’ autonomy and individuality over convenience or profit.

Through this, Chiang invites us to confront profound questions without providing answers.
Humans are flesh-and-blood, bound by physical needs, aging, and mortality; digients are lines of code, free from hunger, fatigue, or inevitable aging. Human growth is organic and irreversible; digient development can be paused, backed up, or altered. Humans are born through biology; digients are coded, designed and engineered.

And yet, digients seem to form bonds, develop apparent self-awareness, and express what look like desires. Are these genuine feelings or mere simulations? Does the distinction matter if the behavior is indistinguishable? If we raise digital beings as we would children, and they think and act like persons, what — if anything — makes them less deserving of rights? Do they have feelings or do they pretend having feelings? Are human love and responsibility defined by biology?

In the end, The Lifecycle of Software Objects is less about AI than about us — about what we owe to the beings, biological or digital, that we create through coding or through biology, and later we nurture, and about the fact that some commitments, once made, are worth keeping even if it's made to a digital pet and even when there’s nothing to gain except the bond itself.