the start of her journey, the author describes the anticipation and preparations leading to her expedition across West China, specifically her entry via Tonking into Yunnan. She details her travel arrangements, including the hiring of local coolies and the selection of practical equipment for the journey. The opening portion reflects her eagerness to experience the heart of China away from the typical tourist routes, as well as her initial observations about the local landscape, infrastructure, and the diverse peoples she encounters. Throughout, Kendall emphasizes not only her personal experiences but also the socio-political context of China during this transformative period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)