Exchange student's 6,800-mile drive from China to Durham
An exchange student who drove 6,800 miles (11,000 km) to get to university in the UK says his journey has inspired others to do the same.Yukun Tao travelled across nine countries from his home city of Nanjing, near Shanghai in China, to Durham by car last September.The 26-day trip took Mr Tao through China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.His parents had spent months "trying to stop me from this crazy plan", he said.
"Everything was unknown," Mr Tao said."I had not been to the other countries yet. I had not been abroad for about 10 years before this journey."It really needs some spirit, some bravery to set off, because you're facing a world with everything unknown, everything uncertain."Mr Tao is now preparing for his return home in May and hopes to drive back via Denmark, Norway and Finland.
The 20-year-old, who studies at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK PolyU), spent about six months preparing for his journey.He said he chose Durham because he could do a full academic year, rather than one semester, but also because of the college system."I think it's quite similar to Harry Potter's college so I finally chose Durham University," Mr Tao said.He decided to drive over after hearing someone else had done that but also wanted to bring his mountain bike."For my parents, I think they would worry more than feeling proud," Mr Tao said."They spent about two or three months trying to stop me from this crazy plan."
The journey was not without its hurdles. Mr Tao set off on 1 September and, as he approached China's border with Kazakhstan, he started having trouble with his car's engine. Due to restrictions on exiting China, he needed to leave the country on 8 September or he would not be able to continue the trip. It meant he had about two days to fix the car and set off again.A friend managed to get him an appointment in the area and "a large problem" with the car's engine was found."Usually, fixing it would take over a week," Mr Tao said."But the engineers worked around the clock to help me get it back up and running."
College principals and the chair of the Student Union welcomed Mr Tao when he reached Josephine Butler College on 26 September. "I was very surprised and moved," he said.It took him about two weeks to get used to UK roundabouts and driving on the left-hand side of the road.He has been on road trips to the Highlands and London and hopes to visit Wales before driving back to his hometown. Mr Tao said his adventure had motivated one of his flatmates, who is also Chinese, to attempt the same trip."He got moved with my spirit - my experience - and he plans to drive his car to Durham and take the same route."
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
12 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
TripAdvisor's five top rated Chinese restaurants in Newport
New World Cantonese Restaurant, Oodles Wok, Asaga, Dragon Palace, and Honour Garden have been hailed as the top five Chinese eateries in the city by reviewers on the travel website. New World Cantonese Restaurant on Cardiff Road has been praised for its "exquisite traditional Cantonese" dishes and "superb range". New World Cantonese (Image: Google) The establishment, which also caters to vegans, offers a variety of meals from shanghai bao buns to beef brisket. A string of reviewers described the restaurant as "the best Chinese restaurant we have been to." Others commended the "brilliant" service and "fast" delivery. Oodles Wok, also on Cardiff Road, is a family-owned business that has grown into one of the UK's leading fast-casual dining brands. Oodles Wok (Image: Supplied) The restaurant, which serves Indo-Chinese cuisine, was applauded for its "absolutely fabulous food and service" and "amazing food." One reviewer said: "I haven't been there in person but on three occasions in the space of a month I have ordered for delivery and all I can say is WOW. "Newport needed this!" Located on Commercial Street, Asaga was another popular choice among TripAdvisor users. Asaga (Image: Google) The restaurant was described as a "heavenly" food spot, with one reviewer saying: "Oh my GOD. "Me and my friend came here twice in one day, both times shared a large box. "This food was heavenly." Dragon Palace on Chepstow Road was praised for its "fantastic food and service." Dragon Palace (Image: Google) The takeaway offers a wide variety of Chinese meals, from appetisers and curries to popular chicken dishes and chow mein. One customer said: "Absolutely fantastic meal we just had from Dragon Palace. "Tried a few different places lately as we moved from the area but it has to be said this is still the best we've had in a long while. "Won't be going anywhere else again." Honour Garden on St Vincent Road completes the top five. Honour Garden (Image: Google) It was hailed as the "cheapest in the Port" with "great tasty large portions." One reviewer said: "This is by far my favourite Chinese spot in Newport, no regrets at all, I totally recommend. "The food is amazing, customer service is top notch, very clean and hygienic environment, totally affordable and you get whatever you ask for. "I give it a 20/10 rating."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'Epic Universe says it's 'world's most advanced park' - I tested out the claim
Being catapulted 133ft into the air straight after a massive pizza lunch was, in hindsight, a bold choice. Especially in Florida's 35C heat. I'd been launched sky-high at Universal's brand-new Epic Universe, getting an early look at Orlando's most-hyped theme park before it opened to the public. And where better to start than strapping into one of its headline attractions, cosmic-themed dual-racing coaster Stardust Racers? I'm a theme park super-fan. I'll queue for hours for terrifying rides, scream myself hoarse and sprint straight back to the start. But nothing prepared me for this. During the roughly 90-second ride, I was screaming, crying and briefly convinced I'd broken through the stratosphere. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62mph with a savage force that threatens to rearrange your insides. At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly sure I could even see my soul leaving my body. It was a thrilling start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of £5.7billion. Announced in 2019, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal has ever built and is, as its chief Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world'. It's also the first major theme park to land in Orlando in 25 years – and with icons to rival Disney including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest bid yet for the Florida theme-park crown. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. Here's what to expect… Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the centre of Epic with dancing fountains, art-nouveau architecture and tree-lined walkways that evoke the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. Beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping: 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked whether I needed a passport. The highlight is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow 'Photon' and green 'Pulsar' tracks. This is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even hardcore thrill-seekers. Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon or peacock. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combo of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives and crisps, served in the Victorian theatre turned pizzeria, Pizza Moon. Top tip: Stick around until dusk when Apollo hands over the sun to Luna in a dazzling light ceremony. This popular film franchise tells the story of hapless Viking boy Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending adorable 'night fury' dragon Toothless. Hiccup's craggy, chaotic home Isle of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail as raucous Vikings and feisty dragons co-exist. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, the dragons are so realistic you half expect them to flap off into the skies. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap pics. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk at speeds up to 45mph and heights of 50ft. Then bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring all your film faves. Top tip: Grab the carbtastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri and crispy onions, it's the perfect portable lunch. Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off a cinematic monsterverse with classic characters including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. The Mummy tanked and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this franchise could have been in the gothic village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides and spooky restaurants. At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride. Ushered into eerie Frankenstein Manor, you meet Dr Victoria Frankenstein and an unnervingly lifelike 9ft-tall Frankenstein's monster. On this immersive ride, our heroine Vic tries to control the wayward monsters. Cue a chaotic escape through werewolves, mummies and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but the spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a truly chaotic surprise. Top tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Absorb '90s nostalgia as you enter the colourful, kinetic Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe/escalator. It's loud, bright and utterly bonkers. Take a spin on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the hugely popular Mario Kart franchise – a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and help the gang to defeat Team Bowser, dodging obstacles and hurling shells as you collect digital coins alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Be warned, thanks to a track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to derail. Top tip: Buy a Universal app linked to a Nintendo-themed Power-Up Band to collect digital coins and keys and interact with the environment. As a huge Boy Wizard fan, this was the moment I'd been waiting for. You're transported into 1920s' wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. The scale and detail are astonishing as you wander Parisian streets with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. And if you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations where you can conjure water and fire or interact with enchanted objects. It's home to Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, the showpiece Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron and Hermione in a bid to bring odious bureacrat Dolores Umbridge to justice. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride where you fly, drop and spin through various scenes, pursuing Umbridge as she attempts to evade capture. You're swiftly conscripted into helping the Hogwarts gang stop her while being flung through eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and death eaters. If you only do one thing here, this is the ride to queue for. Top tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand. Epic is Universal's boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet and heralds a new era of theme parks in Orlando.
Economist
3 days ago
- Economist
Now China's ultra-cheap EVs are scaring China
China's ability to make electric vehicles (evs) cheaply has caused angst in countries with big carmakers, prompting governments to investigate China's subsidies for the sector and to erect trade barriers. Now, though, it is China's own government that is worrying about how cheap its producers' evs are. The race to the bottom shows no sign of letting up, and the industry has become emblematic of some of the broader problems facing the economy. On May 23rd China's biggest ev manufacturer, byd, caused shockwaves when it slashed the cost of 22 electric and hybrid models. Now the starting price of its cheapest model, the Seagull, has fallen to a mere 55,800 yuan ($7,700). The move came just two years after byd had originally unveiled the electric hatchback, at a then astonishingly low cost of 73,800 yuan. The latest move triggered official concern about how low prices could go in the world's largest car market. On May 31st China's industry ministry told Xinhua, the state-run news agency, that 'there are no winners in the price war, let alone a future.' The ministry vowed to curb cut-throat competition, which it said harmed investment in r&d, and could cause safety problems. On June 1st People's Daily, the Communist Party mouthpiece, argued that low-priced, low-quality products could harm the reputation of 'made-in-China' goods. The backlash comes as leaders crack down on unproductive, self-harming competition between firms and local governments that has created overcapacity and lowered profits. Their moves are part of a broader effort to rebalance the economy. 'Recent developments suggest the old supply-driven model remains intact,' Robin Xing, Morgan Stanley's chief China economist, wrote in a note. byd's shares fell after the price cuts and the official pronouncements, amid concerns that the price war will be unsustainable. But to cling to market share, other carmakers cut their own prices. Wei Jianjun, chairman of Great Wall Motor, one of the largest, called the industry unhealthy and invoked the collapse of the property market as a cautionary tale. 'Now, the Evergrande of the automobile industry already exists, but it just hasn't exploded yet,' he told Sina Finance, a news outlet, referring to the world's most-indebted developer. A byd executive responded that Mr Wei's comments were 'alarmist'. The situation is not helped by the fact that there are 115 Chinese ev brands, according to Jato Dynamics, a research firm. Only a few, including byd, make any money and are expected to survive in the long run. Brutal price wars are a common affliction across Chinese industries. By the end of last year's third quarter, nearly 25% of China's listed firms were in the red, more than double the proportion five years ago. Panic in Detroit Consolidation will take time and will be painful. byd is well positioned, given its scale and vertical integration. The firm controls everything from mining rights of minerals it needs to build its own batteries to cargo ships for transporting its cars to foreign markets. In November it sparked fears of even fiercer competition when it pressed suppliers to cut prices by 10%. Suppliers may now be squeezed further. That could mean layoffs and less money for car workers to spend, at a time when the government is playing up the need to boost weak domestic demand to help absorb the shock of the trade war with America. An increasingly tough market at home will fuel Chinese car exports. Reuters reports that byd plans to sell over half of its cars overseas, especially in Latin America and Europe, by 2030. That would be a big jump. China accounted for about 90% of the firm's 4.3m car sales last year. But the higher prices that evs command abroad could offset the ever-smaller margins in China. And it is making inroads in spite of stronger trade headwinds. In April, despite the eu's increased tariffs on Chinese evs, byd sold more of them in Europe than Tesla, an American rival, for the first time. Though the price war is at its worst in China, its ramifications will be felt worldwide. Cheaper evs would be a silver lining, but that will be little comfort for governments already anxious about China exporting overcapacity to their markets. More trade tensions are inevitable. ■
