INTRO | Trip & Plan

THE TRIP

For many years, I harbored a desire to visit the ancient lands of Mesopotamia. Yet, pressing commitments and the subsequent conflicts in Iraq and Syria rendered this a distant, seemingly unattainable dream.

Then, in 2018, after my first complete reading of the Bible—an experience that marked the beginning of my deep longing for His word—a new wish took root: to walk in the present-day lands of the biblical Promised Land. This time, my wish was granted.

Dome of the Rock, Western Wall, and Al-Aqsa Mosque (from left to right, viewed from the terrace of Aish HaTorah Center)

Following an intensive ten-day trip, I took time to reflect on my expectations, the meticulous planning (and necessary alterations on the way), and the profound rewards of the trip. I compiled a 21-chapter diary including photographs. My aim was twofold: to document my route for a future, more in-depth pilgrimage, and to provide a useful reference for friends considering a similar voyage.

This diary was first shared on WeChat in 2019 for my fellowship brothers and sisters in Shanghai. Their plans to visit in May 2020 were, of course, halted by the pandemic, and later overshadowed by the tragic events of October 2023... I do not know what His plan is, but I know He is good. History provides countless examples, even in the darkest of times such as the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]

In the spring of 2025, after a joyful reunion with a former colleague—now a dear friend and sister in faith—I began editing this diary into English for this blog. It is my hope that through it, more people can see this land through a lens of peace.

THE PLAN

The itinerary was prepared around several key objectives:

1) Aims of the Pilgrimage:

To gain an impression of the modern Promised Land; to feel a direct connection to the lives, beliefs, and values of its people; to see historical evidence corroborating biblical records; to experience the sites where miracles occurred; and to seek moments of revelation walking in the footsteps of the Chosen.

2) Points of Interest included:

a) Old Testament Sites:

Megiddo, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mount Nebo, Petra (Sela)......

b) New Testament Sites:

Tiberias, Caesarea Maritima, Capernaum, the Mount of Olives, Bethlehem......

c) Archaeological Sites affirming biblical history:

Qumran, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel......

d) Modern Historical & Cultural Sites for context:

The Old City of Jerusalem, Masada, Tel Aviv's Independence Hall, Schindler’s Tomb, Rabin Square, Battir, and the King David Hotel......

e) Natural Wonders & Outdoor Pursuits:

The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Wadi Mujib, and sections of the Jesus Trail (a 65 km hiking and pilgrimage route in Galilee)......

Although I had previously travelled to the Middle East on business, the distinct cultures of Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan presented a new frontier for me. The profound significance of this region as the biblical Promised Land, coupled with the rich, complex tapestry of its continuous history, instilled a deep sense of reverence for the journey. Therefore, I approached this trip as a personal pilgrimage, conducting extensive research and crafting an itinerary designed to capture the essence of this land over the course of ten days.

Main stops planned on the initial itinerary (P-I left & P-II right) before setting out on Day 1

DAY ONE – 30.09.2018

With only ten days including travel, optimising every hour was essential. I departed Shanghai in the early morning and landed at Ben Gurion Airport around 8:00 am local time. Rested from a good night's sleep onboard, I was able to begin my tour immediately upon leaving the airport.

The route for Day One covered 6 Stops:

(Shanghai → Tel Aviv) →

Caesarea Maritima → Haifa → Acre → Tel Megiddo → Nazareth → Tiberias

Tel Megiddo was not part of the original plan, as it required a detour from Acre to Nazareth. My guide initially advised against adding it, uncertain we could reach Megiddo before the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth closed for the day. However, after our first stop at Caesarea, we revisited the idea, and he eventually agreed to slot it in, though it meant moving a bit faster in Haifa and Acre and cutting our lunch short. I was delighted we managed it—if only a passing visit—to see the plain of Megiddo, a where the ruins of more than two dozen cities lie layered one upon another, bearing witness to kingdoms that have come and gone. It is also a place many believe will be the stage for the Battle of Armageddon.

(to be continued)