2,400 Kilometers of Commitment: Tingbao Li’s Volunteer Teaching Journey in Liangshan
Some stories in the Go community reveal how deeply this ancient game connects people and how profoundly it can shape lives. The journey of Tingbao Li is one such story—quiet, determined, and grounded in a genuine sense of responsibility.
After retiring, Li continued to teach Go in Edmonton, Canada, where he spent years introducing the game to young players and helping them develop confidence through disciplined practice. In October 2025, he returned to China. Only a month after arriving home, and just as family matters had finally settled, he made a decision that few would anticipate. He left Qingdao and drove alone for 2,400 kilometers to Liangshan in Sichuan Province, with a single purpose in mind: to resume his Go volunteer teaching.
Classes began on November 10. From the very first week, Li drew upon his years of teaching abroad, often sharing stories about his young Go students in Canada—the way they learned, the challenges they faced, and the moments of progress that shaped them. These stories quickly became a highlight for the children in Liangshan, who listened with curiosity and delight. For them, Go was not merely a game but a bridge to a wider world they had never seen.
Li’s volunteer work takes place at Abojue Aimu Primary School, located in a region where educational resources are limited and teacher turnover is high. Most academic subject teachers stay only one or two years before moving on, making continuity difficult to maintain. Go, however, is not tied to entrance examinations or academic rankings. Precisely because of this, it has become a rare source of pure enjoyment for the students, something they can look forward to without pressure. Currently, Li teaches grades one through five, offering each class a weekly Go lesson—an hour that many children in the mountains treasure.
During Li’s second week at the school, the schedule coincided with the Yi New Year, resulting in a seven-day break. When classes resumed, many students returned not only refreshed by the celebrations but also eager to continue their Go studies. The game has gradually become an important part of their weekly routine.
Li originally planned to stay in Liangshan until New Year’s Day, yet he is now considering extending his volunteer teaching until the Spring Festival. As he put it, “If the children need me, I am willing to stay longer.” His journey—one person, a long road across provinces, and a dedication to guiding children through Go—demonstrates what sustained volunteer work truly looks like.
Go is often described as a game of patience, balance, and long-term vision. Li’s journey embodies those same qualities. His story reminds us that the influence of Go extends well beyond the board, reaching into classrooms, communities, and the lives of children who are discovering both the game and the larger world it represents.
