An Australian in China : Being the narrative of a quiet journey across China to Burma

A determined traveler sets out from Shanghai in early 1894, intent on tracing the mighty Yangtze River to its western reaches and then crossing the rugged frontier into Burma. Disguised in Chinese attire and carrying only a modest budget, he embarks on a 3,000‑mile odyssey without a guide, interpreter, or weapons, trusting instead in the goodwill of the people he meets. The narrative captures the vivid scenery of riverbanks, towering pagodas, and snow‑capped mountains, while also revealing the author’s surprising shift from deep‑seated prejudice to genuine appreciation for the hospitality he encounters.

Along the way, bustling market towns, quiet temples, and remote villages unfold, each offering a glimpse into daily life and customs far removed from Western expectations. The author’s candid reflections on the challenges of travel—long walks, language barriers, and the occasional cultural misunderstanding—are balanced by moments of unexpected kindness that reshape his view of the region. Listeners are invited to experience a thoughtful, on‑the‑ground portrait of late‑19th‑century China and its borderlands, told with humility and a quiet sense of wonder.