A Wayfarer in China / Impressions of a trip across West China and Mongolia

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27481

Title

A Wayfarer in China / Impressions of a trip across West China and Mongolia

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Elizabeth Kendall's 1913 travelogue chronicles her solitary journey across West China and Mongolia, offering intimate glimpses into ancient civilizations, diverse ethnic groups, and the rugged landscapes of Yunnan, Szechuan, and the Gobi Desert before the upheavals of revolution.

Summary up to 500 words

In *A Wayfarer in China*, Elizabeth Kendall chronicles her 1911 expedition through the interior of China and into Mongolia, a journey undertaken deliberately to bypass the treaty ports and experience the authentic, pre-revolutionary life of the region. Departing from Hong Kong, Kendall traveled by river and rail to Yunnan-fu before venturing on foot and pony across the rugged, mountainous terrain of Yunnan and Szechuan. Her caravan consisted of Chinese coolies, a terrier named Jack, and a sedan chair, facilitating her interactions with local villagers, merchants, and officials. Throughout the trek, she documented the region's complex ethnic tapestry, observing Chinese, Shans, Lolos, and Mohammedans living side by side, as well as the unique religious syncretism of Buddhism and Lamaism. Her route took her through the Chien-ch'ang valley, up the sacred Mount Omei, and down the Yangtse River before continuing north through the Mongolian grasslands to Urga, the sacred city, and finally to the Siberian Railway. Kendall's narrative balances practical travel details with profound cultural insights, reflecting on the resilience of human nature and the hospitality of strangers. Written in the quiet months before the Chinese revolution, her memoir captures the beauty and peril of a world on the brink of transformation, offering readers a vivid glimpse into 'old China' before political upheaval altered the landscape. Her observations highlight the dignity of the local people, the challenges of travel in an era before modern infrastructure, and the enduring fascination of the East for those willing to leave the comforts of civilization behind.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Travel
• China
• Mongolia