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Gao Yuhong has been a victim of polio since she was a youth, but that hasn't stopped her from preventing misery for other people.
She once saw a blonde-haired foreigner asking for directions to the bathroom. The Summer Palace was packed with guides during the tourist season, but nobody could understand her language: "Toilet?" She went through a dozen people, but received no answers.
This was when Gao decided to buck up and learn English. Tourism was a rapidly rising industry with the approach of the Summer Olympics, and she resolved to make sure the toursist could each find their own way.
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The volunteer team that Gao proudly founded. [Photo/bjby.bjwmb.gov.cn] |
Gao acquired permission to set up a booth on Qinglong Bridge Street, near the Summer Palace. With a team of 11 other volunteers, they guide foreign tourists to their destinations on all weekends and public holidays.
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Gao writing down directions for a group of tourists. [Photo/bjby.bjwmb.gov.cn] |
Later, she heard of a "guidemaster" named Xie Liang, and in a surge of excitement and inspiration, took a two-hour bus ride to visit him. The next day, Gao received three huge copies of Guiding Secrets, as a gift from Xie.
But she didn't stop there. Along with her crew, Gao combed through the streets surrounding the Summer Palace, recording down all the stores and restaurants. They collected updated maps and bus routes, even finding an English coach to improve their communication skills.
Every Tuesday, Gao visits the English teacher, and then teaches her newfound knowledge to her crew. The age difference is large between members, but Gao is always patient with them, repeating passages whenever they need it.
She was once offered money by a lost tourist. "I refused," she said adamantly. "Helping others is just what I do. How can I ever ask for money?"
But gratitude returns in other non-monetary forms. Whether they be souvenirs, drinks, little trinkets, even an extra-large pizza, Gao always wells up with pride.
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Gao's deeds have also extended to helping lost children find their parents. [Photo/bjby.bjwmb.gov.cn] |
It's been years since the team's debut, but their spirit has never wavered. "We don't just give directions now," says Gao. "We're now familiar with the Summer Palace's history and monumental structures, too. We can even use English to explain it to the foreigners!"
Edited by Wang Zili
