Tan Completes Solo Tibet Journey After 43-Hour Train Ride
A 96-year-old retired railway engineer has completed a solo train journey to Lhasa, finishing a goal of visiting all of China’s provincial-level administrative divisions. Tan, who lives in Wuxi, departed Jiangsu Province on October 10 and arrived in the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region after traveling 43 hours.
His trip gained widespread attention online after another traveler shared a video of him at a restaurant in Lhasa. Tan studied transportation engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and previously worked at the Puzhen Vehicle Manufacturing Plant in Nanjing before retiring to live with his wife in Wuxi.
AI Planning and Family Concerns Shape the Route
Family members and friends advised Tan against making the trip, citing his age and the risks of high-altitude sickness. Travel agencies also declined his booking requests when he attempted to join an organized tour.
Faced with those rejections, Tan arranged the trip independently. He used a smartphone AI assistant to research local altitudes, plan his itinerary, and check transit routes before leaving home. He also relied on mobile ride-hailing applications to navigate around Lhasa.
Landmarks Visited and on-the-Ground Assistance
During his stay, Tan visited several historical sites, including the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, took an evening cruise on the Lhasa River, and rode local public buses. He reported experiencing no symptoms of altitude sickness throughout the visit.
Railway station staff in Lhasa provided him with a wheelchair upon his arrival and escorted him to the pick-up area. Later, after his journey drew public notice, the Lhasa Tourism Bureau contacted him to help arrange guided visits to the Tibet Museum, Norbulingka, and a Tibetan opera performance, assigning a companion to assist him.
Online Users Debate Elderly Traveler Safety Risks
Tan’s journey generated polarized reactions across social media platforms. Some users praised his determination and viewed the trip as an inspiring example of pursuing personal goals at an advanced age, while others questioned the safety risks of an elderly traveler visiting a high-altitude destination alone.
Tibet is known as the “Roof of the World,” with an average elevation exceeding 4,000 meters. Travelers are advised to spend several days acclimatizing in Lhasa before heading to higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 96-Year-Old Traveler
How did Tan handle train accommodations during his 43-hour trip?
A young woman traveling on the same train exchanged her lower-berth sleeper ticket for his upper berth after learning about his situation. Tan offered to pay the fare difference, but she declined.
What were Tan’s previous travel experiences before visiting Tibet?
Tan completed a trip to Xinjiang in September. After returning home to rest for 20 days, he set off for Lhasa, which he saved for last because he considered it the most challenging destination among all 34 provincial-level regions.
Does Tan have plans for future trips?
Tan returned safely to Wuxi on October 21. He has already stated that his next travel goals include visiting Guangxi to see the Pinglu Canal and returning to Hefei to observe urban development.
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