Shijiazhuang is the 12th city Ke Shichang has reached. Photo by Yan Zhiguo.
Yesterday around 12 noon, on the east side of the Provincial Museum, a thin, dark-skinned middle-aged man carrying a backpack weighing over 20 kilograms walked while filming. His name is Ke Shichang, 54 years old. He set off from Dalian on May 18, passed through 11 cities covering a distance of more than 1,600 kilometers, and arrived in Shijiazhuang. His goal is to hike around the world on foot over the next three years.
Ke Shichang said that he used to work in a bank and started engaging in hiking culture after leaving his job. “This year is China’s Year of Dreams. I believe we shouldn’t just shout slogans but take action.” After nearly a year of careful preparation, he bid farewell to his family and set off from Dalian on May 18. After traveling through Yingkou, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Tianjin, Beijing, and other places, he arrived in Shijiazhuang yesterday, which is also the 12th city on his domestic journey. “This is just the beginning. In the next three years, I will hike around the world and blaze a trail of dreams with my feet.”
Ke Shichang’s hiking journey has unique features. His global trek is limited to the area between 30 and 60 degrees north latitude because this route has three major characteristics: first, it’s where developed countries are located; second, it’s the birthplace of hiking; third, it’s a dense area of international elite universities—27 of the world’s top 30 universities are along his planned route. “I want to retrace the Silk Road, explore Europe, and traverse Canada and the United States...”
Every time Ke Shichang arrives at a place, he explores the local customs and cultural features. As he walks, he films, and after completing his journey, he plans to publish a guidebook for the route to provide reference for other hiking enthusiasts.
“This is my first time in Shijiazhuang. There are so many classics here. I plan to stay for two or three days to explore places like Zhaozhou Bridge and Xibaipo...” said Ke Shichang with a look of longing.