The compass of destiny

Appreciation and reward

"I prefer in-depth travel to gain some more understanding through my own observations of the places toured. And I like to rub shoulders with the locals and keep a travel diary to record our stories," she says. Sometimes Liao stays at homes of local Tibetans, and chats with them to learn about local customs and culture.

When it rains heavily, she has to avoid mudslides or falling stones.

Once, she skidded and tumbled off her bike and had to wait for at least two people to help her lift up the heavy machine.

There have been times when it was hard, when she was drenched and lost control and ended up in a ditch, covered in dirt and bruises.

But something inside her urges her ever onward.

"It takes willpower to persist, especially when you face many difficulties," Liao says, adding that it's the nature and the people she met that motivate her to continue.

And the scenery is spectacular, especially Tibet's Ngari prefecture. It is famous for its stunning views of snowcapped mountains, pretty lakes, ancient glaciers and the mother river of Tibet, the Yarlung Zangbo River.

"On the way from Lhasa to Ngari prefecture, there are some barely-populated areas. You hardly see anyone - even wildlife is scarce," Liao says. "I enjoy my moments of solitude, but it also means that I need to be more careful."

She's grateful that many strangers have offered her a hand when she's in need.

Once Liao had to make camp in a remote village because the sky was suddenly covered with dark clouds.

When the rain started falling in sheets, an elderly woman dressed in traditional Tibetan costume came to her tent several times to deliver her hot sweet tea and homemade food.

The woman, without a hat or umbrella, braved the rain and gestured to her to accept the offerings, as she couldn't speak Mandarin.

Liao felt touched and her eyes welled up.

She felt so blessed to get such help, and she wanted to return the favor in her own way.

"You can't take it for granted that others are obligated to help you. They are kindhearted, but may not want the favor returned. I'll show my gratitude by helping others and passing on their kindness," she says.