Lecture Notes: Hitchhiking Across China

Introduction

• The speaker is traveling across China, attempting to hitchhike over 2,000 km.
• Goal: Test the idea that China is a freedom-denying, social credit scoring, Western-hating country by undertaking this journey.
• Plan: Hitchhike and camp, explore unique experiences, meet various people.

Day 1: Journey Begins

• Start at the city edge of Jiuquan.
• Goal: Cover 500 km per day to reach Beijing in 4 days.
• Strategy: Use a note in Chinese to communicate the travel purpose.
• Encountered friendly locals offering rides and gifts.
• Challenges: Dangerous driving, language barriers.

Interesting Encounters

• Visited a cemetery by the highway, discovered family gravestones.
• Hitchhiked with Chinese police who were friendly and helpful.
• Attempted to find a campsite through language barriers.
• Received cigarettes and drinks from locals without asking.

Day 2: Continued Challenges

• Struggled with language barriers; got lost in translation.
• Difficult to find suitable places to hitchhike in towns.
• Generous locals offered food and drinks.
• Frustration due to lack of progress; considered taking a bus.

Day 3: Hope and Progress

• Found a better camping spot at a toll booth office.
• Encountered Mr. Chen, a truck driver who became a key companion.
• Mr. Chen: former guard at the British Embassy, now transports steel materials.
• Journeyed with Mr. Chen for a significant distance, forming a friendship.

Cultural Observations

• Everything is paid through a centralized app in China.
• The app is convenient but holds all user data.
• Hospitality of locals is notable, often offering help without being asked.

Day 4: Closing the Journey

• Continued with Mr. Chen to a location near Beijing.
• Opted to take a train for the final leg to Beijing.
• Reflected on the kindness and support from people met along the journey.
• Highlighted the humanity and helpfulness found among ordinary Chinese citizens.

Conclusion

• The journey demonstrated unexpected freedoms and kindness in China.
• Established meaningful connections with locals.
• The trip provided insights into the lives of ordinary people, revealing a different narrative about the country.