As the curtain falls on 2024, I find myself pausing to reflect on a year filled with bold adventures, unexpected changes, and profound reflections. This year, I stepped out of my comfort zone more than ever before, chasing experiences that made my heart race and mind wander. Let me recap the moments that defined 2024 and share my outlook for the coming year.

Recap in 2024

Adventures Among Snowy Peaks

2024 was undoubtedly the year of snow-capped mountains for me. I embarked on several snow mountain trips, each more thrilling than the last. The most unforgettable one was my first experience camping outdoors in the snow. I vividly remember setting up the tent as the sun dipped below the mountain ridges, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. I thought I’d prepared well for the cold, but nature had a surprise in store.

In the middle of the night, a sudden blizzard hit. The wind howled like a pack of wolves, and snowflakes hammered against the tent. I lay inside, listening to the fabric groan under the weight of the accumulating snow. Suddenly, there was a loud creak, and the tent began to collapse. Panic surged through me as I fumbled with my flashlight, scrambling to grab my essentials before the tent completely caved in. Eventually, I managed to dig myself out with the help of other campers nearby. Though it was a terrifying moment, it’s now a story I laugh about— a reminder of nature’s power and my own resilience. Waking up the next morning to a pristine white world, with the sun glinting off the snow, made all the chaos worth it.

Moments with Friends & New Experiences

This year was also about reconnecting with old friends and creating new memories together. I took a trip to Guizhou to visit my college classmates. Hanging out with them felt like no time had passed— we stayed up late chatting about our university days, explored local alleyways for delicious snacks, and even did something I’d never dared to try before: dyeing my hair a light shade. I was nervous at first, worried it wouldn’t suit me, but when I looked in the mirror, I felt a new sense of confidence. It’s amazing how a small change can make you see yourself differently.

Another highlight was cycling around Qionghai Lake in Xichang with my best friends. The weather was perfect that day— sunny with a light breeze. We cycled along the lake, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the clear blue water reflecting the sky. We stopped every now and then to take photos, eat local snacks, and just soak in the moment. By the end of the day, our legs were sore, but our hearts were full. It was a simple joy that made me cherish the time I spend with the people I care about.

I also indulged in my love for music this year— specifically, attending concerts of KEY.L, my favorite rapper. I went to several of his shows, and each time, I was swept up in the energy of the crowd. Singing along to his songs at the top of my lungs, surrounded by people who shared the same love for his music, made me feel a sense of belonging. There’s something magical about live music— it has the power to make you forget all your worries and just be in the present.

A Year of Exploration & Self-Discovery

August 2024 marked a big change: I resigned from my job. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt a strong desire to take a break, travel, and rediscover what I wanted out of life. After resigning, I set off on a journey that took me to several cities. Along the way, I met many interesting people— a street artist in Chengdu who painted portraits with watercolors, a retired teacher in Yunnan who told me stories about local traditions, and a group of fellow travelers who became my companions for a few days. Each encounter taught me something new and broadened my perspective.

I also tried solo travel for the first time. Flying alone, checking into hotels by myself, and exploring new cities at my own pace was both daunting and empowering. I learned to trust my instincts, navigate unfamiliar places, and enjoy my own company. One of my favorite parts of solo travel was trying local food— I’d wander into small restaurants where the locals ate, ordering dishes I’d never heard of before. Some were delicious, some were an acquired taste, but all were part of the adventure.

Reflections from "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI"

Amidst all the traveling and adventures, I also made time for reading. This year, I carefully read Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI. The book elaborates that over the past 100,000 years, we Homo sapiens have accumulated tremendous power. However, continuous inventions and conquests have also pushed us into an existential crisis: the global ecology is on the verge of collapse, and misinformation is rampant. We are plunging headfirst into an era of artificial intelligence composed of new types of information networks that may destroy us.

The book insightfully points out that humans construct large-scale cooperative networks (such as religions, nations, and currencies) through fictional stories, thereby gaining collective power beyond biological instincts. Yet, there is a fundamental contradiction inherent in the design of such networks: the conflict between the pursuit of order and the pursuit of truth. Although fictional stories can maintain social operation, they also lead humans to abuse technological power (such as nuclear weapons and AI), plunging us into the risk of ecological crisis and self-destruction. Reading this book made me think deeply about the relationship between human development, technological progress, and the survival of the planet. It also made me more cautious about the impact of emerging technologies like AI, shaping my understanding of how to coexist with technology in the future.

What to Expect in 2025

2024 was a year of exploration and growth, and I hope 2025 will be a year of deepening and settling. Here’s a refined outline of what I look forward to doing:

Continue my mountain adventures— maybe try hiking a more challenging snow-capped mountain, but this time with better camping gear!
Visit more small towns in China, exploring the local culture and lifestyle that’s different from big cities.
Keep attending live performances— not just rap concerts, but also more plays and dramas, which I grew to love in 2024.
Deepen my learning in professional fields— maybe explore new front-end technologies related to interactive design, combining my interests with my skills.
Read more books on social issues and history, continuing to broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of the world.
Spend more time with my family— maybe plan a short trip with them, just like I hoped to do in 2024.
Improve my financial planning skills— after my travels, I realize the importance of balancing adventure with financial stability, so I’ll continue to manage my income and explore passive income opportunities.
Try a new hobby— maybe photography, to better record the beautiful moments in my life.
With the development of AI, embrace the convenience it brings, not limited to vibe coding.

I’m grateful for all the experiences 2024 brought me— the good, the scary, and the thought-provoking. I hope that on December 31, 2025, I’ll look back with even more gratitude and a sense of fulfillment.