In Love with Africa

On her honeymoon in Tanzania in May 2010, Li Ling received a gift of an ebony wood monkey, which she lacquered herself at the ebony wood market in Dar es Salaam.

My Heart Lies in Africa

Li Ling realized her dream of writing a book in January 2014. The Once in a Lifetime Vacation – Let’s Honeymoon in Tanzania is now in bookstores nationwide.

In April 2013, a media company contacted Li and asked her whether she would like to write a book about her Tanzania travel. Li jumped at the chance. Having kept a comprehensive blog of her trips, Li was able to finish the manuscript quickly. In the preface to the book director Lu Shaye wrote, “From Li’s lively narratives you can feel the grand magnificence of the Serengeti Plains, the mystery of Arusha’s starry sky, the diversity and magic of African wild animals and the enthusiasm of the Tanzanian people. Through her descriptions you can imagine yourself there and feel Li’s heart overflowing with love for the magical land of Africa.” He concluded, “I truly hope this will inspire more Chinese people to learn about Africa, visit Africa and love Africa just like Li Ling. Then, we can all contribute to the friendship between China and Africa.”

Today, Li is a volunteer for an animal protection organization. In both her book and interviews, she emphasizes the concept of responsible tourism. “It is not only the responsibility of locals to maintain Africa’s ecological environment, but also the responsibility of all visitors to that continent.”

Thus far, Li has visited Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia among other African countries. This year, she plans to go to Africa with her three-year-old son. “It is probably because we have talked about Africa so much that our son already knows a great deal about this wonderland. He loves animals and can even distinguish a leopard from a cheetah.”

“I feel Africa is my soul mate,” Li told China Today, “I wish I had travelled there earlier in my life. Moving there to live is, unfortunately, out of the question, but I will continue to visit Africa time and again. In this way, my heart will never leave.”