Notes from the road

More young Chinese, including Yang Li, now keep signature travel journals, with text and pictures, tape and collages. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"You don't have to be adept at painting (to start a travel diary). You can start by pasting things you like in the journal. Then, you can do simple drawings."

Referring to those who enjoy photography, she says they often find that keeping such journals is a good way to preserve the pictures.

Li Shanshan uses a pocket photo printer to print the photos she takes and pastes them in her journal.

The 30-year-old Beijing primary school teacher does not draw very much, but she collects items to include in her journal.

She also often reads others' journals online to learn how to improve her diaries.

Li takes photos of stray cats in iconic places, at home and abroad, and is preparing a journal about them.

"I enjoy the process. When I collect the items, I am happy because I know I will use them in my journal. I record my feelings about the trip when I return home," says Li.

Some people, however, like to record other things in a journal.