Exploring China, One Step at a Time
The third season of the acclaimed series "Endless Walk: Encountering China" is set to air on September 10, offering viewers another glimpse into the journey of Paul Salopek, a National Geographic explorer. Over nearly three years, Paul walked across China, experiencing its vast landscapes, deep culture, and warm hospitality. His story isn't just a personal adventure and a testament to how travel can bridge worlds.
Paul's journey across China started in September 2021, after he had already spent eight years trekking from Ethiopia, following the migratory paths of early human ancestors. By May 2024, Paul completed this chapter of his global odyssey after walking nearly 6,700 kilometres from Yunnan in the southwest to the northeastern city of Dalian.
The question arises—why would someone walk across China? For Paul, it wasn't just about covering distances but about understanding a country from its soil up. He ventured through some of China's most fascinating regions with each step, including Shanxi's towering mountains, ancient temples, and the Great Wall.
Paul's story has been captured in the series "Endless Walk: Encountering China," produced by Shanghai Media Group and National Geographic. This project follows Paul as he immerses himself in Chinese culture, witnessing both ancient and modern ways of life. The series has won critical acclaim, including the Asian Television Awards and the Gold Angel Award at the Chinese-American TV Festival.
Nature, History, and Personal Reflection
The upcoming third season is divided into three episodes, each exploring a different aspect of Paul's journey. The first episode, "A World Without Borders," takes viewers to the majestic mountains of Shanxi, where Paul walks through historic sites like Wutai Mountain (五台山) and the Yanmenguan Pass (雁门关). Along the way, he encounters the architectural wonder of Fogong Temple (佛宫寺) and an ancient section of the Great Wall, offering a profound look into China's history.
The second episode, "In Search of the Wild," shifts focus to the natural world as Paul ventures into the northeastern forests, home to the elusive Siberian tiger. Here, viewers are reminded of China's remarkable biodiversity and efforts to preserve these majestic creatures.
In the final episode, "Until We Meet Again," Paul reflects on his global walking project and the dream that fuels his journey—to eventually walk with fellow travellers to the tip of South America. As he completes his walk across China, joined by friends he's met along the way, this episode serves as a symbolic rehearsal for his final destination.
A Fresh Perspective on China
One of the most striking aspects of Paul's journey is the perspective it offers to global audiences. The series has engaged millions, particularly overseas, through social media and digital platforms. For many viewers, Paul's China is a refreshing contrast to the usual images of bustling cities and modern skylines. His narrative uncovers a quieter, more intimate China—a place of vast landscapes, ancient traditions, and timeless human connections.
One international viewer commented, "This is a side of China we rarely see—a world away from the headlines. It's fascinating." Indeed, Paul's journey provides an alternative view of China steeped in natural beauty, rich heritage, and heartfelt encounters with local communities.
"Endless Walk: Encountering China" is more than just a travel documentary; it explores human connection, history, and the endurance of dreams. As Paul bids farewell to China, his story reminds us of the transformative power of walking—one step, one story, one connection at a time. With every footfall, Paul traverses physical terrain and crosses into the hearts and minds of those who encounter his journey.
For viewers worldwide, the series offers a rare and poignant glimpse into a China that is both timeless and ever-changing—a reminder that, sometimes, the best way to understand a place is to walk through it.
