On October 9, in Nanchang, the scene at Poyang Lake has been buzzing with excitement as a large cargo ship has run aground in the lush grasslands, giving rise to what locals now affectionately call the “Brewster’s ship of Jiangxi.” The Wangye Temple area in Lushan, Jiujiang City, has turned into a popular spot for tourists eager to capture the beauty of this unique sight during the National Day holiday.
“I came here to enjoy the sunset by the grasslands, and it totally exceeded my expectations,” said Ms. Gong, a young woman from Nanchang born in the ‘95s. She discovered the Poyang Lake grasslands and the so-called “Brewster’s ship” through social media, and with the lovely weather during the holiday, she decided to take a family road trip to soak in some fresh air and nature.
The sight of the giant abandoned ship set against the vibrant green grasslands and a breathtaking sunset was simply stunning, she noted. “We even coincidentally stumbled upon a camping festival, complete with fireworks and a concert—the experience was absolutely delightful!”
Another traveler, Ms. Song from Ji’an, who is also part of the ’95 generation, shared her excitement on social media about the “Brewster’s ship” in Jiangxi. “Have you all seen those gorgeous photos online? They really make it look beautiful!” Her group of six quickly engaged in lively discussions about their travel plans.
“I checked the distances and realized the high-speed train station is quite far, so driving would be more convenient,” Song recounted. “Life isn’t about following a set path; it’s more like wandering through the wilderness. Since everyone is interested, let’s just plan a trip!” Eventually, they settled on a sunny weekend for a road trip, planning to visit several attractions like the Poyang Lake grasslands, the Falling Star Mound, and Nanji Mountain along the way.
Photographer Lai Zhifan, also born in the ’95s, shares a passion for road trips. Traveling from Jiujiang’s “Sky Mirror” to Fengcheng’s “Towards the Clouds” and Nanchang’s “Maldives,” he captures beautiful landscapes and memorable moments throughout his journey. “Some places you might only visit once in a lifetime, so having photos to remember them by is really important,” he said with a smile. He sees road trips as filled with unknowns and challenges, but the freedom to explore makes it exhilarating, even when faced with obstacles along the way.
When asked why they chose road trips over other forms of transportation, many interviewees highlighted the spontaneity of driving. Unlike planes or high-speed trains that require advanced booking and strict schedules, road trips offer the freedom to go whenever one prefers. They are also more convenient for groups of friends, and as long as there’s a road, they can explore nearly anywhere, greatly enhancing the freedom of outdoor travel.
According to the 2024 China Self-Driving Tour Report released by the New Era Cultural Tourism Research Institute, the demographic of self-driving tourists has become increasingly younger from January to August 2024. Notably, the ’80s and ’90s generations are significant contributors to the self-driving market, while the rising ‘00s—who are now gaining their driver’s licenses and entering the workforce—are set to become a major driving force in the growth of this trend.
