Six Attempts to Escape China: The Journey of Peng Lou, a 68-Year-Old Chinese-Australian

Lou Peng stands in front of a monument commemorating those who died fleeing China to Hong Kong during the Cultural Revolution, in May 2023, in New Jersey, the United States (Jenny Zeng /The Epoch Times)

At 68, Peng Lou, a Chinese-Australian, recounts a life marked by extraordinary challenges and resilience. Having attempted to escape China six times, he now enjoys the fruits of freedom as a successful business owner and a skilled bamboo flute player in Australia. His journey, filled with near-death experiences and unwavering determination, is an inspiring testament to the human spirit.

A Path Fraught With Danger

Mr. Lou’s odyssey began in 1972 during China’s “Cultural Revolution,” when urban youth were sent to the countryside to be re-educated. As a young man, Mr. Lou was assigned to work as a technician in a cement factory in the remote Yingde County, Guangdong Province. The harsh conditions and bleak prospects of this forced labor spurred him to seek freedom, despite the severe risks involved.

In 1979, Mr. Lou made his first two attempts to escape by stowing away on trains headed for Hong Kong, a beacon of freedom compared to the restrictive mainland. The first attempt ended in disappointment when he and his companions mistakenly boarded a train bound for Guangzhou’s Huangpu Port, not Hong Kong.

The second attempt was thwarted when Mr. Lou, desperate for air, was caught after emerging from his hiding spot among the cargo. The authorities were alerted, and he was detained but later released, partly because the police recognized him as a member of the factory’s cultural troupe.

Close Calls and Unforgettable Moments

Undeterred, Mr. Lou continued his quest for freedom. His third escape attempt was a grueling journey that saw him and his companions trekking through mountainous terrain for five days, braving razor-sharp oyster fields, and swimming across perilous waters to reach Hong Kong. However, they were soon apprehended by British Gurkhas patrolling the border, enforcing Hong Kong’s “touch base” policy, which required illegal immigrants to reach the city to claim residency.

Despite being deported back to mainland China, Mr. Lou vividly recalls the humanity shown by the Hong Kong police, who provided food, including canned luncheon meat, a rare delicacy for the starving escapees.

In 1980, after Hong Kong tightened its immigration policies, Mr. Lou set his sights on Macau, then a Portuguese colony. His fourth escape attempt involved the help of “snakeheads,” smugglers who facilitated illegal border crossings.

Unfortunately, his timing was poor; upon arrival, Mr. Lou was caught and deported once again. The experience was marked by a terrifying encounter with guard dogs, whose bites left lasting scars on his legs.

The Final Escape and New Beginnings

Mr. Lou, deeply scarred yet strong-willed, still held on to his desire for freedom.

The fifth attempt, in 1981, finally brought Mr. Lou to freedom. With the guidance of a friend, he learned that Macau was on the verge of granting amnesty to undocumented workers. Seizing this last opportunity, Mr. Lou embarked on another perilous journey, swimming through the dark waters from Zhuhai, a coastal city bordering Macau.

This time, he avoided the authorities but had to negotiate with the snakeheads, who demanded a significant sum for their services. Mr. Lou and his companions managed to evade payment, slipping away under the cover of night.

Upon reaching Macau, Mr. Lou’s life began to stabilize. In 1982, the Macau government introduced a policy allowing undocumented residents to register for temporary residency.

Mr. Lou, now officially recognized, started working in an electronics factory. His diligence and quick learning earned him a supervisory position, where he oversaw a team of over 20 employees. It was here that he met his future wife, a fellow refugee with whom he shared a deep bond over their similar pasts.

Peng Lou and his wife in Hong Kong before emigrating to Australia. (Courtesy of Peng Lou)

A New Life in Australia

In 1987, Mr. Lou took another bold step by emigrating to Australia under a skilled migration program. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country, culture, and language, Mr. Lou thrived. He completed a diploma in mechanical engineering and became a member of the Institution of Engineers Australia. His hard work and determination culminated in the establishment of his own engineering company, a testament to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. Lou reflects on his journey with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. “Most people smuggle across the border just to get a meal and change their money-making environment,” he says. “But for me, the quest for freedom and democracy was driven by the international news I heard on the radio. I was fully aware of the situation in places under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party, and I knew that the Communist Party could never be trusted. When the opportunity to emigrate to Australia arose in 1987, I was overjoyed to make this decision.

Throughout his life, Mr. Lou’s beloved bamboo flute has been a constant companion. Taught by his father at the age of nine, the flute’s music provided solace and a connection to his heritage. In Australia, Mr. Lou continues to play, sharing his culture and experiences with new audiences. The flute symbolizes not only his artistic talent but also his enduring hope and perseverance.

Peng Lou is photographed in Sydney, Australia, with the Sydney Opera House in the background. (Courtesy of Peng Lou)

Peng Lou plays the bamboo flute in a community event in Australia. (Courtesy of Peng Lou)

Honoring Lost Friends and Memories

In 2023, Mr. Lou made two trips from Australia to the United States, visiting both the East and West coasts. These journeys were deeply personal, as he participated in commemoration activities for the deceased escapees who, like him, had sought freedom but paid the ultimate price.

Standing before the “Monument for Deceased Escapees to Hong Kong” in New Jersey, Mr. Lou paid homage to six friends and former colleagues who perished on the treacherous escape route. These visits were not only a tribute to the lost but also a reaffirmation of Mr. Lou’s enduring commitment to remembering their sacrifice and the value of freedom.

A Legacy of Freedom and Resilience

Looking back on his tumultuous journey, Mr. Lou has no regrets. He believes that his trials, especially during the Cultural Revolution and his forced labor experiences, strengthened his resolve to seek freedom and better opportunities. He treasures the liberties he now enjoys and uses his story to inspire others to stand firm in their beliefs and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles.

Mr. Lou’s journey from the restrictive confines of communist China to the freedom of Australia is a powerful narrative of courage and resilience. His experiences underscore the universal desire for freedom and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it. As Mr. Lou enjoys the freedoms and opportunities of his new life, he remains a symbol of hope and determination for all who face oppression and adversity.