In 2020, the global travel landscape was upended by the sudden outbreak of the pandemic. The Asian tourism market, too, underwent a profound shift during this turbulent period. Instead of the crowded tourist spots of old, two parallel trends emerged—and I chose the one closest to my heart: to travel alone to a hidden gem in Asia, where I could immerse myself in peace, a place seemingly crafted specifically for souls like mine, craving calm and purity. That year, Asian travel transcended traditional sightseeing. Two major trends swept the market, reflecting everyone’s longing and adaptability in the face of distance. Looking at global travel rankings, emerging Asian destinations rose to prominence, shining brightly in various annual lists: In Airbnb’s “Top 20 Global Travel Destinations for 2020,” numerous Asian locations made the cut. Da Nang in Vietnam stood out, ranking 7th globally as a top travel spot per TripAdvisor, beloved for its authentic cuisine, stunning scenery, and warm, welcoming locals. Boracay, Subic/Clark in the Philippines saw a booking surge, jumping into the top 5 of KLOOK’s “2020 Breakout Destinations” as they reopened post-lockdown and added direct flights. Xi’an, China, the sole domestic city on the list, saw a 255% year-on-year increase, ranking 6th globally. Its popularity stemmed from the Terracotta Army, unique night tours, and its branding as “China’s Outdoor Museum.” While physical travel was limited, people’s love for exploration never faded, spawning a national trend—”cloud travel.” This was also one of the most defining trends of 2020 Asian travel. Trapped by the pandemic, people craved connection to distant places. Livestreams of red-billed gulls in Kunming and cherry blossoms at Wuhan University drew hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers, letting people enjoy seasonal beauty from home. Data from Mafengwo clearly showed this trend: starting in April 2020, daily live stream viewership surged 101.4%, with in-depth experience content being the most popular. While many wandered the world virtually, I seized the chance to travel in person during lulls in restrictions, avoiding crowded spots to find this quiet valley, where I could lay my 2020 worries to rest. In this moment, I truly understand the beauty of solitude and the deep human desire for solace behind Asia’s travel shift. Mist shrouds the valley; midday sun glints off the dense canopy, only a few stray rays sneaking through to touch the hidden grove. I lie in the tall grass by the stream, pressing close to the cool earth. Around me are a thousand unnamed plants, each holding nature’s vibrancy. I listen to the faint hum of the tiny world among the stalks, growing familiar with the indescribable shapes of insects. In this moment, I can almost feel the mercy of the Creator, the all-encompassing love that nourishes all, wrapping me in endless warmth. My friend, as dusk softens my vision, heaven and earth seem to merge with my soul, absorbing my strength like a beloved’s gentle embrace. I often long to capture this profound feeling in words, to imprint the warmth and life within me onto paper, making it a mirror of my soul—just as my soul mirrors the infinite beauty of the world. Yet, even now, I can’t draw a single line. But I’ve never felt more like an artist of life. The chaos of 2020 weighed heavy on everyone, but the tranquility of this valley has completely filled my soul, like the sweetest spring morning, filling my heart. I am alone, yet in this place, I truly touch the essence of life’s charm—a haven crafted just for gentle, inward souls like mine. I am filled with joy, my dear friend, completely immersed in this peaceful existence, setting aside my talents for a moment because this calm is too precious to rush. I still cannot draw a single stroke, but my heart is full and clear, making me more artistically minded than ever. The valley remains mist-shrouded, the sun still filters through the trees, the stream still gurgles, and the forest hums on. I stay here, in this Asian hidden gem of 2020, savoring this gentleness and embracing my true self—the most precious travel meaning of this extraordinary year.
