On the eve of the year’s end, the StarLai team set off from Beijing, flying via Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City. As their flight crossed the South China Sea, they happened to catch sight of the last sunset of 2025. At an altitude of ten thousand meters, golden hues spread across the sky, and everyone raised their cameras to capture the moment, bidding farewell to the old year together with their fellow comrades. As the light and shadows danced around them, their anticipation for the new year soared high into the heavens.

Upon arrival, everyone quickly immersed themselves in the nocturnal charm of Nanyang: savoring authentic delicacies at street-side rice noodle stalls and raising a toast to see in the new year at a charcoal-grilled restaurant in the city center. Thanks to the time difference, we even experienced a “double New Year’s Eve”—celebrating simultaneously with family back home and friends in Vietnam. With two rounds of countdown cheers and overlapping blessings, this became a unique and treasured memory right from the start of our journey.

In the morning light of the New Year, the team set off by car toward the coastal town of Mui Ne. Although the drive was long, it turned out to be delightfully entertaining thanks to a spontaneous “Guan Dan” card game tournament. The thrilling card-playing and bursts of laughter made the hours fly by. Outside the window, vast coconut groves swayed gently in the breeze, dotted with colorful villages; vibrant bougainvillea bloomed profusely along the roadside. Every frame seemed like a living painting of Southern Seas charm.

After arriving in Mui Ne, the group first visited the ancient Cham Towers, where they felt the weight of history amid the red-brick architecture and exquisite carvings. They then strolled along the long sandy beach, splashing in the waves and capturing with their cameras their intimate moments with the sea. Finally, they admired the golden hues of the sunset over the red sand dunes, watching as the dunes took on a mesmerizing orange-red glow under the setting sun—a truly breathtaking natural spectacle.

Today was a day of free time, and Mui Ne’s coastline became a leisure paradise for the Starry Travelers. Early in the morning, the group began their relaxing time by the seaside pool at the hotel: some lounged on sunbeds, basking in the warm sunshine of the South Pacific; others plunged into the pool, swimming joyfully and savoring the cool refreshment of the emerald waters; still others gathered in pairs or small groups, splashing around and laughing merrily as their cheerful voices echoed through the coconut groves. In small clusters of three or five, the travelers sat together chatting casually, sharing stories from their journey and deepening their bonds in the relaxed atmosphere.

In the afternoon, the activities became even richer and more diverse: some participants experienced the thrill of jeep sandbashing and the freedom of riding beach motorcycles; while others strolled through the local market, savoring fresh tropical fruits such as mangoes and durians, and soaking up the vibrant, authentic atmosphere of the bustling marketplace. As dusk fell, everyone gathered once again on the beach, posing for cherished photos with the setting sun as their backdrop, forever capturing the relaxed charm and beauty of Mui Ne.

Saying goodbye to Mui Ne, the team returned to Ho Chi Minh City and embarked on a cultural walking tour of the city. The solemn grandeur of the Reunification Palace, the romantic freshness of the Pink Church, the vintage elegance of the Central Post Office, and the French-inspired charm of the Municipal Square—all allowed everyone to experience the city’s diverse allure, where history and vitality seamlessly blend together.

That evening, everyone boarded the cruise ship “Queen of Southeast Asia” and enjoyed dinner together on the Saigon River. The lights along both banks sparkled brilliantly, resembling a galaxy of stars. As a gentle evening breeze caressed their faces, they gathered on the top deck, chatting freely—sharing insights from their work, recounting amusing anecdotes from daily life. In the tranquil night air and shimmering waves, their heartfelt thoughts quietly blended together, deepening their bonds of friendship even further.

On the fifth day of the journey, the team split into two groups to experience different highlights. The "Cu Chi Exploration Group" delved deep into historical sites, feeling the echoes of bygone eras in the narrow Cu Chi tunnels, and took a canoe ride through the Mekong River’s floating forests, fully immersing themselves in the simple and pristine natural scenery. Meanwhile, aboard the bus, the "mobile KTV" kept the atmosphere lively and filled with laughter.

The “Urban Freedom Group” takes you on an immersive journey through the streets and alleys of Ho Chi Minh City—savoring the rich aroma of drip coffee in cozy cafés, or wandering through bustling markets to pick out your favorite souvenirs. It’s a chance to savor the city’s vibrant, everyday life and its modern pulse.

On January 5, armed with sun-kissed skin, memories brimming with breathtaking landscapes, and hearts full of warm camaraderie, the Xinglai team set off on their journey home. Though the trip has come to an end, the laughter shared between mountains and seas, the warmth of walking side by side, and the collective strength forged along the way have all been deeply etched into each member’s heart.

Best Photography Award-winning work: “Group Photo on a Ship’s Meal”

Thus, the third overseas annual conference and team-building event of Beijing Xinglai Law Firm has come to a successful conclusion. This event not only served as a well-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of the past year but also provided an opportunity for our team to deepen its cohesion and vitality. We look forward to continuing to join hands with every member of Xinglai in the years ahead, crossing more mountains and seas, and embarking together on the next exciting journey!

See you next year!

Editors: Li Zeyu, Wang Xin

Layout: Wang Xin

Reviewed by: Management Committee