A student from a university in Nanning hitchhikes 18 rides over three days to travel, sparking online debate
Is hitchhiking really as appealing as it seems?
Recently, a Weibo post drew widespread attention and discussion: Qin Zhengpeng, a junior at a university in Guangxi, traveled from Nanning to Dahua Yao Autonomous County in Hechi City from December 2 to 4, relying entirely on hitchhiking and hiking—catching a total of 18 rides and hiking around 30 kilometers. The post sparked a wave of online discussion.
Recently, a reporter contacted Qin Zhengpeng, a junior majoring in Journalism and Communication. Throughout their conversation, the word he mentioned most was “experience,” and he described his hitchhiking journey as an experience as well.
A friend once told him, “The scenery in Qibailong, Dahua, is beautiful.” At 9 a.m. on December 2, he decided to head to the Anji Toll Station to begin his “hiking + hitchhiking” trip. Starting from the Anji Toll Station, he hiked 2 kilometers before flagging down his first ride, a car heading to Heng County. Only after getting in did he realize they were going the wrong way. “The driver didn’t know the route either, so I had to get dropped off halfway.” He got off the highway and was spotted by traffic police, who took him to the Er’tang Toll Station—that was his second ride. He waited at the toll station for an hour, tried flagging down many cars, and was turned down many times. “Eventually, I met a brother surnamed Xiong from Liuzhou who gave me a lift as far as the entrance to the Dahua and Mashan highways. I hiked another 2 kilometers from there and then met a man surnamed Wei from Dahua.” The fourth ride completed his first day of travel.
On the morning of the 3rd, Qin Zhengpeng continued toward Qibailong. His fifth ride was with a driver who installed doors and windows in Dahua. The sixth ride was with a school alumnus. In the afternoon, Qin started hiking again. Eight kilometers with nine turns took over two hours, leaving his feet blistered. His seventh ride was on a motorcycle: “The driver was an aunt who gave me a few kilometers, but she fell over because my backpack was too heavy for her to handle.” After getting off the eighth ride, there were still 7 kilometers to go to Qibailong. That’s when Qin met Xiao Wei, who was riding a motorcycle. Not only did Xiao Wei take him to Qibailong, he also gave him a ride to the “World’s No. 1 Gully” scenic area—he was incredibly kind. The ninth ride brought Qin from Nanning to Dahua. The tenth ride took him to his accommodation.
On the morning of the 4th, he prepared to return to downtown Dahua. His 11th ride was with a local man surnamed Qin; he then got rides with two other uncles surnamed Qin to reach the picturesque ancient town of Guhe by the Hongshui River. Ride 14 was with Huang, a road construction worker; Ride 15 was with Tan, who works at the Guhe Township government… In the afternoon, Qin Zhengpeng successfully reached Dahua County and prepared to return to Nanning. After flagging down rides 16 and 17, he finally made it to the highway entrance. Then, after being turned down more than ten times, he finally caught a ride back to Nanning with Pan, a man from Du’an—this was ride 18. “Along the way, I felt a lot of warmth,” Qin reflected emotionally on the journey.
Point/Counterpoint
Is hitchhiking for travel a good idea?
Supporters say: It's a rewarding challenge that broadens your horizons
[College Students]
Zheng, a student from the College of Liberal Arts at Guangxi University: I really admire him. As long as you’ve completed your academic responsibilities, doing something you enjoy isn’t a bad thing—especially when it saves money and enriches your life experience. Getting rides is also a sign of communication skills; the fact that he managed to get 18 rides is amazing.
Liu, a student from the College of Physics at Guangxi University: Life on campus is too monotonous and boring. Traveling broadens your perspective and builds character—it’s better than just dating on campus. He’s brave and confident, and we should learn from that.
[Netizens]
@Pan_Lai赖: Because you’re young, you can just go.
[Parents]
Mr. Zhang, who works at a private company in Nanning: I fully support this kind of travel—it’s very character-building. Back when I was in college, I often went out with classmates. We didn’t have money, so we’d hitchhike on the highway together. I’d love for my child to have that kind of experience too.
[Drivers]
Ms. Wei, who bought a car just this April: I’d check if they can show valid ID or something.
Mr. Li, a civil servant: For me, it depends on the situation. I’d worry about potential dangers, like scams or robbery. But if it’s someone truly in need—like the elderly, weak, sick, disabled, or pregnant—I wouldn’t refuse. If it’s a backpacker, I might judge based on their appearance.
Opponents say: There are safety risks and possible disputes
[College Students]
Fang, a student from the College of Physics at Guangxi University: Isn’t this unnecessary? Traveling is supposed to be relaxing—why make it so tiring?
Lu, a student from the College of Resources and Environmental Science at Guangxi University, said they don’t support this approach. It sounds nice, but there are dangers. What if something happens? What would the parents do? While we’re enjoying our youth, we should also think about our parents and families. So I don’t think this is advisable.
[Parents]
Ms. Mo, who works in Nanning: I personally don’t support my child hitchhiking for travel. I’d rather they spend more money on a guided tour. Nowadays, most families have only one child, and I’d worry about their safety. Although foreign parents encourage adventure, the conditions in China aren’t quite there yet.
[Drivers]
Mr. Wu, a private shop owner: Under no circumstances would I agree to that. Who knows what someone who flags me down is really after?
Mr. Tang, who works at Guangxi Power Grid, said: "Have you seen *No Man's Land*? After watching it, I decided that I wouldn't open the car door for anyone I don't know."
Legal Perspective
Hitchhiking Accident: Driver May Be Exempt from Liability for Minor Negligence
Huang Yu, a lawyer from the Guangxi branch of Beijing Weiheng Law Firm, explained that hitching a free ride is what the law refers to as an act of "goodwill and beneficence." Since the driver does not charge passengers, their legal obligations and liabilities cannot be as strict or extensive as those toward paying passengers. The allocation of responsibility in the event of a traffic accident depends on the specific circumstances — if the driver is only slightly negligent, and not committing major offenses such as driving a scrapped vehicle, driving under the influence, or speeding, then they are not liable for compensating passengers. In such cases, the compensation claim of the passenger who was riding for free can only be directed at the other vehicle involved in the accident that caused the collision. Conversely, if the driver has committed a serious or intentional fault, they do bear liability for compensating passengers who were riding for free.
Related Links
Hitching Rides Carries Risks – Caution is Advised When Getting a Lift
1. "Carpooling" for Convenience Leads to Car Accident, Dispute Stalls After Failed Negotiations
In July this year, a couple from Xianyang, Xiao He and his wife, took a ride back to the city in a 4S store vehicle after attending an auto show. During the drive, due to speeding and improper operation, a traffic accident occurred. There were four people in the car: the driver and front-seat passenger were both 4S store staff, while she and her husband sat in the back. The front-seat occupants, who were wearing seat belts, sustained only minor injuries. However, she and her husband in the back were seriously injured. Although the 4S store initially covered their medical expenses and expressed willingness to settle, both parties failed to reach an agreement through negotiation, leaving the aftermath unresolved to this day.
2. Paralyzed After Car Accident While Hitching a Ride with Colleague, Man Awarded 790,000 Yuan in Compensation
Earlier this month, a court in Shapingba District, Chongqing, heard and ruled on a case. In the incident, a man from Chongqing was paralyzed after being involved in a car accident while hitching a ride with a friend in 2012. He subsequently sued his friend for 1.4 million yuan in compensation. The court ultimately awarded him over 790,000 yuan. Fang Ling, an expert from the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, commented that Chinese society is a relationship-oriented one, and both drivers and passengers cannot avoid the influence of social connections. Therefore, the reality of such situations must be acknowledged. What is socially reasonable may not always be legally permissible, and human sentiment should not override the law. For anyone considering hitching a ride, it’s important to understand that “hitching rides carries risks – caution is advised when getting a lift.”