A barren land that spurs fond memories

Yin Jun, a 41-year-old from Shanghai's Minhang district, has visited at least 15 countries during the past decade. However, her 2009 trip to Hawaii will be forever etched in her mind.

While booking air tickets online, Yin happened upon a quiz sponsored by Hawaii Tourism China, offering winners a free trip to the US island state. Yan answered the six questions and submitted a travelogue, as required. A month later, Yin was told that she had won the trip.

"The trip was intended to commemorate the inauguration of President Obama in 2008, because he was born and raised in Hawaii," said Tina Yao, chief representative of Hawaii Tourism China.