On July 21, a middle-aged man in camouflage was seen cycling through the streets of Changchun. Whenever he spotted beautiful scenery, he would take out his phone to snap photos — a habit that has become his go-to way to unwind after long journeys. His name is Fei Yuxi, an avid outdoor enthusiast who once spent 10 years hiking 100,000 kilometers in search of the source of the Yellow River. He has now switched to cycling and, over 11 months, has pedaled through 22 provinces to promote the message of "health and environmental protection." In his own words, "The journey is a test of life."
Once hiked 100,000 km over 10 years
Now 51 years old, he used to be a textile worker. The year he was laid off, he came up with the idea of hiking across western China. On January 8, 2001, he packed his bags and set off from Menglianggu with just over 100 yuan in his pocket.
Fei Yuxi said that hiking across the west was about fulfilling a childhood dream. On the road, pitching a tent meant having a home, and unrolling a sleeping bag meant having a bed. A pair of worn-out sports shoes turned Fei into a tightly-wound clock, and he kept going for 10 years. In July 2002, Fei Yuxi reached Gangcha County in Qinghai Province, just one step away from his goal. But he suffered severe altitude sickness and nearly lost his life. Having stared death in the face only strengthened his resolve — instead of changing his mind, he became even more determined to reach the headwaters of the Yellow River.
Over the course of 10 years, Fei Yuxi traveled through 22 provinces and municipalities, covering more than 100,000 kilometers and wearing out 260 pairs of sports shoes. On September 9, 2011, he finally reached the source of the Yellow River.
Cycled through 22 provinces in 11 months
Yesterday, reporters spotted Fei Yuxi near Changchun Stadium, where he was performing maintenance on his bike. With just a bicycle, a camouflage outfit, sunglasses, and a scarf, his look was quite unique. Despite his lean and sun-tanned build, he easily carried a travel backpack and tent weighing over 100 pounds on his bike. Tied to the flagpole on the back of his bike were flags signed by fellow cyclists from various regions.
After completing his western trek, Fei Yuxi gained a large following within the cycling community and was nicknamed the "Chinese Forrest Gump." He met many fellow travelers. In 2006, while hiking to Dali, Yunnan, he became a brand ambassador for a bicycle outdoor club. He gradually realized that other jobs couldn't satisfy his longing for freedom — outdoor sports were his true strength and lifelong passion. That’s when he got the idea to cycle across China, to advocate outdoor activities and promote the concept of “green travel.”
In early 2012, a bicycle company provided him with a free bike and equipment, and a club also sponsored his travel expenses. He began his cycling journey from Dali, Yunnan. Before arriving in Changchun, Fei Yuxi had already spent 11 months cycling through 22 provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, and Hebei, covering more than 20,000 kilometers.
Never stays in hotels while camping outdoors
Despite receiving some support, he remains thrifty and always carries his own rations. Upon arriving in a new place, he first stocks up on water and food, then spends the night in his own tent — never staying in hotels or guesthouses, nor accepting meals from fellow travelers. "I’m involved in outdoor sports and promoting public welfare activities. ‘Not causing trouble for others’ is my principle," Fei Yuxi explained about his unconventional ways.
"The road hasn’t always been smooth — my belongings have been robbed six times," Fei Yuxi said. Once, while cycling through the border area between Guizhou and Sichuan, he was going up a steep hill at a slow pace when someone suddenly grabbed him from behind and stole all his cash and ID. Poor road conditions have also been a constant issue — getting flat tires has become routine. In Linyi, Shandong, he had six flats. While cycling in Gongzhuling City, he once encountered a road with 30–40 centimeters of standing water and had to get off and push his bike through, ending up covered in mud. Despite all the hardships, he has stuck to cycling 100–130 kilometers every day.
There are still areas like the northwest that Fei Yuxi hasn’t cycled through. His plan is to ride to Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu, then to Lhasa in Tibet before returning to Dali, Yunnan, and then cycling around Taiwan Island. "For my dream, I won’t stop before I turn 65," Fei Yuxi said.
"Changchun is famous for cars — I was stunned by the sight when I entered the city," Fei Yuxi said. On July 20, he cycled from Gongzhuling City along National Highway 102 to Changchun. Under a bridge on Changshen Road, he saw a parking lot filled with hundreds of brand-new cars — the first time he’d ever seen so many. At the Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone in Changchun, he stood for a long time in front of the square at FAW No. 1 Gate, reminded of the hardships of the older generation of entrepreneurs. The vintage and distinctive buildings along the way also left a deep impression on him. In Changchun, he was warmly hosted by a fellow cyclist, Mr. Qu, who offered to provide him with free accommodation and meals, but he insisted on sleeping in a tent under the viaduct on Ziyou Avenue. Yesterday, he also visited the Puppet Palace Museum and Cultural Square accompanied by other cyclists. "I’ve only seen these in photos before — seeing them in person was quite moving," he said.
Fei Yuxi found that Liaoning and Jilin had the most cyclists and the friendliest people. Along the way, some fellow travelers wanted to join him, but most only lasted 180 kilometers before parting ways. Once, he met four recent college graduates who also wanted to cycle with him, but they gave up after just two days due to lack of endurance.
"Others think cycling is boring, but I see it as a test of endurance," Fei Yuxi said. In his view, cycling builds perseverance and mental strength. It helps people become more easygoing through outdoor activities, teaches them how to communicate with strangers during the ride, allows them to appreciate the scenery along the way, and keeps their bodies healthy.
Faced with online critics questioning whether he abandoned his family to pursue outdoor sports, he stated that everyone has the right to choose their own lifestyle. People today face great pressures from work and life — everyone has their struggles. If you care too much about what others think, it affects your choices and prevents you from letting go of stress to enjoy life.
Early this morning, amid the cheers of fellow cyclists, he set off alone toward Tongliao County, 200 kilometers away.