19 days, 14 cities, over 2,000 kilometers—Wang Jinxi, a post-90s young man from Yinchuan, rode his bicycle to report to Harbin Normal University, using a set of numbers to document an extraordinary life experience. His unique way of reporting to school caused a sensation on campus and was widely shared on forums and Weibo by netizens, who called him the "Brave Guy."
In a phone call with a reporter yesterday, Wang Jinxi said that he had recently done many media interviews, which left him physically and mentally exhausted, but he felt particularly close when speaking with local media from his hometown.
A "Everything is ready to go. Goodbye, Yinchuan No. 9 High School. Hello, Harbin Normal University!"
After the college entrance exams, Wang Jinxi once wrote on Baidu Tieba: "If I get into Harbin Normal University, I will ride my bike there to report." When he received his acceptance letter from Harbin Normal University, Wang Jinxi was overjoyed. The long bike ride was both to fulfill a promise and to challenge himself.
A suitcase, daily necessities, and train tickets—these are the usual items most students pack when leaving home for school. But in Wang Jinxi’s simple luggage were his hopes for university life and a commitment to riding freely.
His blue bicycle, paired with deep blue cycling gear, along with a grass-green backpack, cycling helmet, and glasses. On August 12, the day of departure, Wang Jinxi’s parents looked at him and his gear with some worry, but in the end, they simply said softly: "Son, go. Be careful on the road!"
At the moment of departure, Wang Jinxi wrote again on the forum: Everything is ready to go. Goodbye, Yinchuan. Hello, Harbin Normal University.
B "Even though my acceptance letter got wet, I will still keep going"
Riding eastward, Wang Jinxi documented his journey along the way, leaving one city after another behind.
He ate lamb from Huangquqiao, roadside apples in Baotou, and noodles from small shops along the route... Wang Jinxi took photos of everything. Wherever he went and whatever he ate, he sent real-time updates to his sister via WeChat, calling his family three times a day—morning, noon, and night—to report his progress and reassure them.
Along the way, Wang Jinxi’s bike tires got punctured more than 20 times—about once a day—and the chain often came off. Fortunately, he had learned how to repair bicycles and had brought tools before setting off, allowing him to keep riding without major issues.
When Wang Jinxi reached Beijing, a heavy rainstorm almost dashed his cycling dreams. "My clothes and backpack were completely soaked, even my acceptance letter got wet." Staying in a hotel, Wang Jinxi thought back to the wind and rain he had endured, and he felt discouraged: "Why put myself through this? Maybe I should just take the train. I've already ridden this far." Just then, Wang Jinxi tensed up suddenly: "How could I think like that? Even if my acceptance letter got wet, I will still keep going!"
"I don’t envy any fancy homes—I just want to get to Harbin Normal University as soon as possible, even if it’s just a doghouse!" After leaving Beijing, the finish line wasn’t far away, and by this time, Wang Jinxi had caught the attention of many netizens, many of whom gave him a thumbs-up.
C "Finally made it"
On September 3, after 19 days, 14 cities, and a total distance of over 2,000 kilometers, Wang Jinxi finally arrived at the Songbei Campus of Harbin Normal University.
The moment he reached the school gate, Wang Jinxi dropped to his knees and kowtowed three times. "Finally made it!" At that point, the 19-year-old young man was in tears and utterly exhausted.
"Young man, you still have over 20 kilometers to go—you need to report to the old campus!" The security guard, learning about his situation, couldn’t bear to tell him this news.
"It's okay, uncle. I’ve already ridden over 2,000 kilometers. I’ll grit my teeth and finish this last bit." Climbing back onto his bicycle, Wang Jinxi headed toward the finish line once again.
At 10:00 p.m. on September 3, Wang Jinxi finally reached his destination.
Now, looking back on his 19-day bike ride, Wang Jinxi simply said calmly: "Once you set a goal, you have to stick with it!"