A Safari That Changed Life
Experiences during a honeymoon in Africa inspired new professional and lifestyle choices for a Chinese couple
During his tour of Africa in March 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping shared a heartwarming story about a Chinese couple at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Tanzania. The story exemplified the strong bond between the Chinese and African peoples, evoking a powerful emotional response and receiving warm applause from the African audience.
The story was about Li Ling and her husband Chen Zuxin, who made a brilliant decision when they chose Tanzania for their honeymoon in February 2010. At the time, it was an unusual destination for Chinese tourists, but the couple knew what they wanted and went for it.
Tanzania had everything they were looking for in an unforgettable honeymoon: stunning scenery, magnificent sunsets, idyllic white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, top-notch travel services, and, most importantly, a peaceful environment close to nature. It was the perfect choice for a romantic getaway. While prior to the trip, Africa was merely a distant dream for them, this incredible experience has caused them to fall head over heels in love with the continent.
“Our hearts will forever be attached to this fascinating land,” Li passionately told ChinAfrica.
A lasting attachment
This attachment persists even after their return from Tanzania, as the couple still feels deeply connected to Africa. Closing their eyes, they can almost feel the equatorial heat, visualise the snow of Kilimanjaro, dive into the ocean, and imagine dolphins swimming alongside them. In their spare time, they keep up to date with current events in Africa and watch new films and documentaries about the continent. Chen even resigned in 2012 to devote himself entirely to promoting tourism in East Africa with his own consultancy, Picmap.
Li’s incredible experiences in Tanzania have captured the hearts of tens of thousands of readers, who have flocked to her blog to read her stories and leave hundreds of comments. Her inspiring tales have been compiled into a book, A Once-in-a-Lifetime Holiday, which was published in 2014 and quickly became one of the first guidebooks in China dedicated to tourism in Tanzania. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the main towns and tourist attractions, as well as invaluable advice on responsible travel, with a focus on respecting African resources and the environment.
The couple’s love for Africa is truly profound, and they have been fortunate to visit East Africa almost every year before the COVID-19 pandemic. They even took their son with them since he was five years old, and together they explored the wonders of Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda. It is truly a remarkable experience that they cherish deeply. Li said that visiting Africa is a unique opportunity to witness the planet in its original state, with minimal human interference.