Li Hao (left) trekked around Taiwan with a photo of his late cousin Li Yuguang, returning to Yilan yesterday. Li Yuguang’s boyfriend Lu Zhichang (right) accompanied him for part of the journey. Photo: United Daily News, Taiwan

　 According to United Daily News, Taiwan, Li Hao, who had just graduated from Hsuan Chuang University in Taiwan, trekked around the island for 54 days with a photo of his late cousin Li Yuguang and returned home to Yilan County yesterday, where he was welcomed as a hero by family and friends. Li Yuguang’s boyfriend, Lu Zhichang, said that Li Yuguang rarely traveled when she was alive, and he was deeply moved and happy that Li Hao took her to see all parts of Taiwan.

　　 Li Hao said his cousin Li Yuguang was three years older than him and they grew up together with a close bond. She passed away in a traffic accident on her way home from work two years ago, which he found very hard to accept. “She was so young and never had the chance to explore this beautiful land of Taiwan,” he said.

　　 After graduation, he packed three photos of his cousin, a small cart, and some basic luggage, and set off on the trek with her photo. He also created a social media fan page called “Never Give Up” (徒步环岛不是梦), where he shared his journey and experiences with followers. The page garnered thousands of likes, and many fans followed and cheered him on throughout the trip.

　　 Li Hao said he couldn’t guarantee he would succeed, but told himself to never give up. At first, he had nowhere to sleep and spent nights at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Later, classmates and friends in southern Taiwan offered him shelter, and he gradually had a more stable place to stay and food to eat.

　　 Li Hao hadn’t done much research before starting the journey. It wasn’t until he reached eastern Taiwan that he asked his followers whether he should take the mountain route or the coastal route. The fan page advised the mountain route, but passersby suggested Route 11 along the coast. He ultimately chose Route 11. When he reached Shitiping, he made an exception and stayed for an hour. Later, he realized it was the last scenic spot his cousin had visited before she passed away. At that moment, he felt like she was right there beside him, enjoying the view together.

　　 After enduring 54 days, he finally returned home to Yilan yesterday. His baseball team juniors, members of the Qingxi Literature and Art Society he belongs to, his girlfriend, family, Li Yuguang’s teachers, classmates, and boyfriend all lined up to welcome him. Overcome with emotion, Li Hao shed tears at the entrance of his neighborhood. He bowed in gratitude and embraced his loved ones who came to support and bless him.

　　 Lu Zhichang said his girlfriend Yuguang rarely traveled when she was alive, and he was deeply moved and grateful that Li Hao took her to see different parts of Taiwan. “I’m proud of him!” Li Hao’s girlfriend Xie Zhirou said that most people wouldn’t dare to trek around Taiwan, and that it was truly remarkable that Li Hao completed the journey.

　　 Li Mingzhi was overjoyed to see his son achieve this feat. He said that if a child has a dream, you should let them pursue it. “When facing challenges in life in the future, they can look back on this experience and realize there’s no difficulty they can’t overcome.”