STORY: Meet Chinese trekker Abu: from Xinjiang to Beijing
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 20, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 20, 2023
LENGTH: 0:02:23
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Abu
2. STANDUP (English): LI ZIWEI, Xinhua correspondent in Beijing
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
8. SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
9. SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): LI ZIWEI, Xinhua correspondent in Beijing
"After a 5,000-km trek across China in 280 days, a 24-year-old man, from Kashgar, Xinjiang, has finally arrived in Beijing."

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"Hello, I'm Abu, a Uygur trekker." 

Caption: Why did you come to Beijing?

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"My family, along with many Uygur people, long for the capital of our motherland, Beijing. This city is exceptionally beautiful, and the people here are also very polite and courteous."

Caption: What did you bring during the trek?

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"A handcart, me, and Shunfeng (dog). There are many uninhabited areas in the northwestern region (of China), and in some places we could even encounter wild animals, including wolves. So Shunfeng could take care of me at night, and we take care of each other."

Caption: Did you initially think you could persevere until the end?

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"At that time, I didn't really believe I could endure for so long. It was too tough. My love for the motherland, my passion for outdoor adventures, the good wishes from the people in Xinjiang, and the support from my parents, were my greatest motivation."

Caption: What difficulties have you encountered?

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"I often encountered challenges, especially sandstorms, strong winds, and sudden rainfall. Along the way, I received a lot of help, including offers of water and food. During sandstorms, people welcomed me into their homes, and after it rained, someone would even drive over, specifically to give me a raincoat. I was deeply moved, and felt the strong unity of our Chinese nation."

VO
After he arrived in Beijing, Abu came to the Tian'anmen Square in the wee hours, just for the national flag-raising ceremony.

SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"I couldn't sleep all night due to excitement. I set off at midnight, and secured a front-row spot. Back in my hometown, we raise the national flag every Monday in the village committee. My dad was always in the front row, and those memories are particularly vivid for me."

VO
Abu has been capturing short videos to document his journey, amassing over 400,000 followers on social media. He aims to inspire more young people to lead positive lives by sharing his own story.

SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): ABU, Trekker from Kashgar, China
"Through my videos, I'd like to share with everyone the strong love for our motherland that people in my hometown have. I hope that many many young people like me will strive for their own dreams, and make themselves stronger in their studies or work. Just persist as long as you have dreams and aspirations." 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)