Hiking Across the Kubuqi Desert: The Disappearing Desert

The Disappearing Desert

— A Review of the 2018 Qingming Desert Crossing

Author: The Team Leader of This Event

It was a bitterly cold Qingming Festival. The temperature started dropping on the 3rd of April. By the 4th, snow fell in many parts of northern China. We entered the desert on the 5th, pushed forward by the wind and sand. It was so cold that we couldn’t afford to rest; we kept walking. It felt as if we weren’t crossing a desert, but simply following an ordinary hiking trail. Occasionally, we stopped to take a few photos. These resilient plants grew stubbornly in the desert, inspiring awe. We deeply admired the animals that survive in this place—just like us, rising and falling among the vast dunes, slowly moving toward our goal. I thought to myself: as long as our group stays together, as long as we keep moving in the right direction, the destination will eventually appear before us. The desert is vast, but for relentless footsteps, I saw greenery taking root here. I saw the results of sand control and desertification prevention expanding. I also saw that we were measuring the length of life with our steps. As long as we keep walking, life goes on. In the end, we endured two freezing nights and countless blasts of wind and sand. Over three days, we hiked 50 kilometers. The moment we reached the finish line, everyone relaxed. Standing on high ground and looking back at the dunes we had crossed, we couldn’t help but feel a whirl of emotions. The desert may be intimidating, and the dust may be annoying, but when we return to the city, we will endlessly miss those moments outdoors—brief, yet brilliant. The boundless desert was once a terrifying blind spot in the heart; as long as we dare to explore and conquer it with unwavering faith, the desert will inevitably disappear. Since 2008, I have walked the Kubuqi Desert for nearly ten years, totaling about 300 days and 13,500 kilometers. This feat is unlikely to be surpassed. I am grateful to everyone who has walked the desert with me and trusted us. Joy and pain coexist; only love can withstand all the wind and sand.

About the Author: Shi Yongpeng—Intermediate Outdoor Training Instructor, Level 2 Psychological Counselor, Family Education Instructor.