Couple step out of comfort zone to tour world

Zhang Xinyu and his wife, Liang Hong, have explored many places off the beaten track over the past few years－from Antarctica, Oymyakon in Russia Afghanistan and an active volcano in Vanuatu. Their most recent journey was an 80,000-kilometer trip on an aircraft they bought. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Dialogues between cultures

Leng Song, a media researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, says: "There are too many reality shows with a starry cast and overwhelming entertainment methods. It's crucial to have more celebrities like Zhang and Liang, who express positive energy."

Yin Hong, a media professor at Tsinghua University, says the couple has found a way to better convey Chinese culture abroad.

"The values conveyed through their journey can travel all over the world and result in dialogues and communications among different cultures," says Yin.

Zhang says that he and his wife still have six unfinished travel plans, but he only reveals the upcoming one.

An icebreaker has been purchased so 150 people can voyage with them to the least-known islands in the world.

"Who gets on board is not defined by how much is paid but whether the candidates share our values and worldviews," Liang says.

Other than fulfilling their dreams, what else motivates Zhang and Liang to prolong their journey?

Well, the couple has sold their apartments in Beijing and they now live in a rented one.

"Beijing's rocketing house prices have enabled us to go even further," Zhang jokes.

Contact the writer at wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn