Chongqing - “If you have never visited China before, it’s somewhere I feel like you have to go to. You have to be there yourself in person to understand it.” This is the emphatic advice from Eoin Ruddy, an Irish full-time traveler whose profound connection with China is evident in one simple fact: he has chosen to return five times in just three years. Alongside his wife Aisling, documented on their YouTube channel @EoinandAisling, Eoin’s repeated journeys answer a compelling question: Why China?
For Eoin, the reasons are as deep as they are diverse. China, to him, is an endlessly fascinating tapestry that offers experiences “like no other country in the entire world.” This unique allure is woven from several threads: the remarkably friendly and welcoming people, the “absolutely incredible” food, and the stunningly varied scenery. But the true essence, he insists, is intangible—a feeling you only get from being there, immersed in its living culture and ancient traditions.
His explorations have taken him from the north to the south, the east to the west. He has experienced the breadth of the Chinese landscape, from the bustling capital to small remote towns, local villages, and serene water towns. Within this vastness, he holds a special affinity for two starkly contrasting locales. One is the highland area of Shangri-La, a “beautiful, magical land.” The other is the megacity of Chongqing, a place that “just blows my mind” and was the final stop on his most recent trip. This city is also home to his favorite dish in all of China—Chongqing noodles, whose flavors he describes as “absolutely outrageous.”
Eoin’s story is more than a travelogue; it is a testament to a country that rewards curiosity with endless discovery. His multiple return trips underscore a belief that China is not a single experience, but layers of them waiting to be uncovered. His final message is a direct and enthusiastic invitation: “Honestly, if you haven’t been to China yourself, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. You need to go see and experience China for yourself in person.” For Eoin Ruddy, the question was “Why China?” The answer, found again and again, is an unforgettable journey of connection, flavor, and awe.
(Chen Jiajun, as an intern, also contributes to this article.)