In a recent interview, acclaimed author and Mao Dun Literature Prize winner A Lai offered an in-depth look at his upcoming essay collection, “Into the Windy Wilderness,” set to be released in 2024 by People’s Literature Publishing House. This new work reflects A Lai’s unwavering dedication to exploring remote landscapes through ten poignant narratives.
A Lai’s essays in “Into the Windy Wilderness” detail his personal journeys and showcase his enthusiasm for nature, complemented by his extensive knowledge of botany. Each essay focuses on various plants, from thorn beans and windflower daisies to aromatic greens and flycatcher grass. Having journeyed to altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters, A Lai has developed an intimate knowledge of even the rarest flowers he encounters. His experiences are captured in thousands of plant photographs stored on his devices, earning him the affectionate nickname among his readers as “the botanist among writers.”
When reflecting on his passion for nature, A Lai attributes it to his extensive fieldwork across regions such as Sichuan, Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, and Yunnan. He has seen firsthand the effects of human activity on natural ecosystems and hopes that Chinese ecological literature can play a key role in reshaping societal perceptions of the environment, contributing to a more profound ecological civilization.
A Lai emphasizes that the heart of his journeys lies not merely in traversing physical landscapes but in the reflections and insights they inspire. His writing conveys a philosophy of life that champions openness and introspection. “I walk alone, and the more I travel, the more invigorated I feel,” he shares. “I cover dozens of miles each day with just a little pocket money, and wherever I go, I find warmth in a villager’s home. Each trek is exhilarating, almost like life’s questions are gradually being answered. Climbing from the valleys to the heights, surrounded by mountains and rivers, is genuinely fulfilling.”
During a visit to the Meizhong Mountain National Nature Reserve in the peak of autumn, A Lai described his delight in seeing blooming rhododendrons, even amidst the absence of vibrant red leaves. He remarked, “There’s no need to be disappointed or complain about not seeing the expected autumn colors. With the stunning display of rhododendron flowers in full bloom, why should we limit our appreciation to a narrow definition of fall?”
Through A Lai’s vivid storytelling, readers come to understand that true wilderness is not solely about physical escape; it’s a state of mind. As long as one carries the wilderness within their heart, the beauty of nature is always within reach, regardless of location.
