A remarkable story of resilience and quiet determination has captured widespread attention across China, as a 90-year-old man continues a decades-long cycling journey shaped by profound personal loss.
Zhang Zhongyi, a native of Kaifeng in Henan province, has spent nearly 30 years travelling across the country on a modest tricycle, turning to the road after a series of devastating tragedies altered the course of his life, according to SCMP. Despite his age, Zhang is described as alert, expressive and warm, often greeting strangers with an easy smile.
His journey came into the spotlight after Bai Xiaobai, a passerby in Putian, Fujian province, encountered him struggling with his tricycle and stopped to lend a hand. What began as a simple act of
assistance soon turned into a deeply moving exchange, as Zhang shared the painful memories that led him to a life of constant motion.
In the 1990s, a fatal car accident claimed the lives of his son, daughter-in-law and young grandson. The emotional toll proved overwhelming for his wife, who died the following year. Within a short span, Zhang had lost his entire immediate family.
Unable to cope with the grief tied to his hometown, he chose to leave, setting out on a solitary journey that would span decades. Over time, his bicycle was replaced with a tricycle better suited for long-distance travel, and he began navigating highways that cut across mountains, deserts, cities and coastlines.
His travels have taken him through vast stretches of China, from the rugged terrains of Xinjiang and Gansu to the bustling eastern regions of Shanghai and Zhejiang, and down to coastal cities such as Xiamen and Quanzhou. He arrived in Fujian earlier this year, continuing a journey defined less by destination and more by healing.
“I have let go of the past. Now I want to spend the rest of my life travelling and taking in the beauty of nature,” he told Bai.
Though age has begun to affect his memory, with Zhang no longer able to recall his exact home address, he continues to rely on instinct and familiarity with national highways to guide him. Over the years, he has survived largely on the generosity of strangers, who have offered him food, clothing and companionship.
During his stay in Putian, Bai became a regular presence in his life, sharing meals, celebrating his birthday, and even teaching him how to use a mobile phone so they could stay connected. Inspired by his story, she also encouraged others to extend help through a local “kindness relay.”
Despite offers of permanent shelter, Zhang has chosen to remain on the move. “This is not begging. It is the life I have chosen,” he said, underscoring his independence.
In a gesture reflecting his empathy for others, his worn tricycle is covered with missing-person notices, turning his journey into one that also carries the stories of those still searching for loved ones.
Recent sightings in Fuzhou suggest that Zhang may finally be considering a return home. Reports indicate he plans to travel northward before eventually making his way back to Kaifeng, where local authorities have said he will be eligible for elderly support upon his return.
Zhang’s story has resonated deeply online, with many praising his strength and outlook. As one social media user wrote, his journey stands as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to keep moving forward and find meaning along the way.
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