Editor’s Note:

From July 18th to 23rd, the Fourth Annual Global Youth Gobi Trekking Challenge "Youth Leaders", hosted by YMCE, was held in the hinterland of the gobi desert in Aksay Kazakh Autonomous County, Dunhuang City. SHBS made its debut and won the championship in the secondary school team competition. We are proud of our five players and also of all the participants who completed the 68 km trekking challenge in three days. We are very grateful to the YMCE team for organizing such an event, providing such a unique and wonderful experience for teachers and students. Let's have a bite of the wonderful journey through our reporters’ words. 

On the afternoon of July 18th, as we walked out of the Dunhuang Airport, our trekking guide, Ms. Zhu Zhu, was already waiting to welcome us at the exit. Ms. Zhu Zhu, a former professional pole vaulter, provided us with a lot of guidance and assistance throughout the trip. This day marked the arrival of over a hundred participants from across the country to Dunhuang, so before the welcome dinner and the explanation of the competition rules and precautions, we had some free time. The organizers arranged for us to stay at the Sun Hot Spring Hotel, which has an excellent location: Shangyuan Market and the two large immersive shows "Encore Dunhuang" and "Ancient Sound of Dunhuang" are all within walking distance. Thanks to this, we took the opportunity to see "Encore Dunhuang," and were deeply impressed by history and culture of Dunhuang and the artistic presentation of the show. A sense of mission to preserve the nation's cultural heritage naturally arose.

On the morning of July 19th, everyone boarded buses to the old site of Aksay County for a study tour. As soon as we got off the bus, we felt like we entered a different world. Surrounded by distant mountains, a few abandoned dilapidated buildings was scattered on the relatively flat, barren gobi desert. Only the sound of a horse-drawn carriage trotting down the main road reminded us that people still lived here. As we took a small train deeper into the area, more ruined and deserted buildings appeared, and we heard the roar of monsters from "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" on the rooftops. Then, we realized this was the Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base. Some scenes were remnants from movies filmed here, while others were indeed abandoned buildings left behind after people relocated. The vastness, desolation, and solitude felt like stepping into a post-apocalyptic world, making it an incredibly unforgettable experience.

Afterward, we went to the Aksay Study Center and learned how to build a yurt with the curator. Not only did we gain a deep appreciation for the wisdom of the Kazakh nomadic lifestyle, but we also realized the importance of teamwork and mutual assistance for human development. At noon, we enjoyed a local specialty lunch in a beautiful large yurt, which included dishes like local steamed rice, lamb, milk tea, and cheese. We also learned dances from Kazakh girls, which was a delightful experience.

In the afternoon, we boarded the bus again and headed to the base camp for the challenge. Along the way, the greenery gradually disappeared until it was entirely the vast yellow gobi desert. We experienced a sandstorm on the road, with strong winds and a sky full of yellow dust reducing visibility and slowing our progress, making for a unique experience. Shortly after arriving at the camp, the sandstorm gradually subsided. We were grateful to the YMCE team for investing so much effort and resources: the base camp's facilities for rest and dining exceeded our expectations. We rested well and were well-prepared for the upcoming three-day challenge.

At 6:00 a.m. on July 20th, everyone got up, washed, ate breakfast, and put on their hiking packs. After a group warm-up, the starting gun fired, and we officially began the first day of hiking. The first day's route was a loop, primarily to help everyone acclimate to the environment. It didn't count towards the official competition, but all team members were required to complete challenge tasks at designated locations together. 

Today's hiking route was the most beautiful, spectacular, and diverse. We climbed the highest sand dune of the entire trip, "Hero Slope," which was indeed challenging. Those who managed to climb it were truly heroes, with many participants using both hands and feet to make it to the top. We walked along desert trails surrounded by dunes and vast stretches of gobi desert, and trekked through poplar forests and reed beds, and crossed streams. At one point, we saw three wild camels on a distant mountain near an oasis. As we walked along the path surrounded by mountains, our small group began to shout together, "Hello, camels," as if conversing with nature. We weren't sure if the camels heard our heartfelt greetings.

The students showed great teamwork, taking turns carrying the team flag and helping each other across narrow bridges. They reminded each other of safety measures and practiced environmental protection by picking up over a dozen plastic bottles along the way. In this spirit of mutual support and amidst laughter and conversation, the scenic 22-km hike didn't feel as exhausting.

By noon, we had reached the finish line, and we, 5 students and 2 teachers, crossed it together, celebrating the joy of completing the challenge. In the afternoon, we stretched and rested, and in the evening, we attended the Gobi Lecture Hall. We listened to Blade Runner Mr. Pan’s sharing insights on finding happiness, received blessings from Olympic champion Ms. Wang Liping, and heard from the deputy director of the Dunhuang Cultural Relics Protection Center about Dunhuang's history. Today, we not only exercised our bodies but also gained a wealth of spiritual nourishment. Under the bright moon and starry sky, we went to sleep, ready for the official competition tomorrow.

On the morning of July 21st, everyone woke up at 6:00 a.m., washed, ate breakfast, and packed their hiking gear. After a group warm-up, the starting gun went off, and everyone dashed forward. Today marked the official competition, which was also a team event. In the team race, the team’s score was based on the time of the fifth member to finish, so internal strategy and mutual support were crucial. With only five members, SHBS team was the smallest group in the competition, meaning that if any member gave up or fell behind, the team might not qualify. As a result, each participant gave it their all to avoid letting the team down.

The terrain of today's route was relatively uniform, consisting mainly of desert, vast stretches of gobi desert, and a section of a dried, cracked riverbed. However, the snow-capped peaks of the Altyn-Tagh Mountains could be clearly seen in the distance, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

With 5km left to the finish line, our team was already securely in the second place. Due to the fast pace, the team had expended a lot of energy, and some members began considering maintaining the second-place position as a strategic choice. Ultimately, under the leadership and encouragement of the captain and vice-captain, and with the determination and effort of all team members, they challenged themselves and surpassed their competitor. All the five members of the SHBS team crossed the finish line together, successfully winning the championship in the secondary school category.

Today’s hike left everyone exhausted, with sore legs, backs, and hips, even after stretching. Fortunately, we finished early, allowing for plenty of time to rest and recover. In the evening, during the Gobi concert, our team performed "Too Handsome to Have Any Friends." This team truly lived up to their reputation as the strongest and most impressive boy band in the competition.

After the bonfire and fireworks, and under the bright moon, the students fell into a deep sleep, contemplating the night walk across the Gobi Desert scheduled for the next day.

The hike on July 22nd was a particularly unique experience as we trekked across the Gobi Desert at night. Everyone woke up at 4:00 a.m. and set off at 5:00 a.m., walking toward the sunrise before dawn. Today was an individual competition, and the more capable students were eager to showcase their skills. To ensure safety, the first 7 km was led by a coach who set the pace. As the sky gradually brightened, the students were free to push themselves forward for the remaining 11 km.

SHBS team displayed an even greater fighting spirit than before. They barely paused at the supply stations and consistently overtook others, with all five team members reaching the finish line with impressive results. We are so proud of our five players.

Till then, all the teachers and students of our team completed the hiking challenge. That evening, everyone returned to the Dunhuang hotel for a celebration banquet and award ceremony. Our team reaped several substantial rewards, including the most prestigious and influential "Hercules Cup."

On the morning of July 23rd, SHBS team embarked on their journey back to Shanghai, carrying with them a wealth of memories and insights. The entire event and trip provided numerous opportunities for growth and learning. It deepened our respect for nature, heightened our awareness of the importance of teamwork, and revealed our greater potential through challenges and trials. These memories and insights will continue to accompany us, inspiring us to become better versions of ourselves.

文 | Irene Ma

排版 | Jang