On the shores of Ulungur Lake in the Altay region of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a lone coffee cart draws curious glances from locals and travelers alike. Run by a young man from Sichuan, this mobile café has become a symbol of freedom and connection in one of the Chinese mainland’s most remote landscapes.
With each sunrise, the barista packs his gear and sets off, tracing hidden roads and winding trails. Along the way, he brews cups of rich, aromatic coffee—each one a bridge between Sichuan’s culinary roots and the warm hospitality of communities in western China.
CGTN digital journalist He Beibei spent weeks riding alongside him, capturing moments as simple as a shared smile over a steaming cup and as profound as the vast horizon stretching beyond dusty villages. From nomadic camps to lakeside campsites, every stop reveals a new story of landscapes, cultures, and human warmth.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, this journey is more than a caffeine fix—it’s a lesson in resilience, curiosity, and the power of small acts to spark cultural exchange. As the wheels of that coffee cart roll on, so does the promise of discovery, one cup at a time.
Every cup tells a tale of dust-kissed roads and unexpected friendships. In a world always rushing forward, this coffee cart reminds us that freedom lies in the journey—and in every perfect brew.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
