With just a backpack, a tent, a sleeping bag, and 100 yuan in his pocket, he embarked on his first-ever long-distance solo trip. Recently, Cao Huaxing, a post-90s young man from Shaoyang, Hunan, boldly set off on this adventure, starting from Nanjing, passing through 15 cities including Changsha, and eventually returning to Nanjing. The journey lasted over 20 days, and he had 6.7 yuan left from the original 100 yuan.
Traveling 15 cities with just 100 yuan
Cao Huaxing, a 22-year-old from Shaoyang, is currently studying sociology at the School of Law and Politics at Nanjing Tech University. With the adventurous spirit of a true Hunan native, he made his biggest risk-taking decision this summer—to go backpacking, hiking from Nanjing back to his hometown of Shaoyang, and then returning to school.
On July 29, carrying all his belongings—a backpack, a tent, a sleeping bag, and 100 yuan—Cao Huaxing began his self-guided journey. Over the course of 20-plus days, he passed through 15 cities including Hefei and Jingzhou, and arrived in Changsha, Hunan on August 12.
"Wherever the cars go, I go—I hitchhike all the way," the cheerful young man told reporters. "Actually, at the time, I only knew the names of the cities I’d pass through, but not the exact routes." Cao said that after arriving in each place, he would set up his tent near highway toll stations or service areas, which was not only safer but also made hitchhiking more convenient.
Hitchhiking brings positive energy along the way
With just 100 yuan over 20 days, traveling from Nanjing to Shaoyang and back to Nanjing, passing through 15 cities, it took more than just strong willpower and a sense of adventure—it also relied on the positive energy shared by society. "On the highway in Nanjing, I got my first ride from a kind stranger," Cao recalled, saying that this first hitchhiking experience greatly encouraged him.
Along the way, he encountered many rides, often getting a lift after walking less than five kilometers. "I’ve ridden in private cars, trucks, and even motorcycles," Cao said. "The drivers were all very warm-hearted. They shared their food with me, and some even invited me to meals." He remembered meeting an "80s-born" boss in Huangshi, Hubei, who, upon learning about Cao’s inspiring journey, not only let him ride in his luxury car but also treated him to dinner.
Thanks to the help of people along the way, the four compressed biscuits Cao had packed in his backpack as emergency rations were still uneaten by the time he returned to Nanjing.
Unforgettable: two bottles of water from a kind aunt
"Every bit of help from kind strangers—whether it’s a meal, a bottle of water, or even just a steamed bun—fills me with gratitude." The most touching moment for Cao came at a highway service area in Ezhou, Hubei, where he met an unknown aunt wearing a white uniform. "I asked her for water, but the service area’s bottled water had just run out. She ran to a nearby shop to get some, but they were out too, so she boiled water for me and cared for me like family." Recalling the scene, Cao felt warmth in his heart. "When she found out I hadn’t eaten since 4 p.m., she insisted I have lunch. Before I left, she even tried to give me money, but I refused."
"On long journeys, you often meet kind people, but you also face rejection," Cao said. "Sometimes people ignore you or even give you cold looks. Since I chose this way of traveling, I have to be mentally prepared." For those who helped or rejected him along the way, Cao always responded with a grateful heart and a simple "thank you."