The two friends will cycle through Europe
Departing on June 11 and returning on September 6
Wang Yanxiao, 66, online alias "Kouxian Duxiao," is a retired senior engineer from the Zhengzhou Railway Bureau Research Institute and currently serves as a director of the Zhengzhou Elderly Cycling Association.
In 2010, he and his friends Dong Haogao and Gao Yuting cycled to Russia and published a blog post titled "I Was a Couchsurfer in Russia," which garnered widespread attention among cycling enthusiasts both in China and abroad.
Yesterday, he obtained a short-term self-guided European travel visa, officially launching his plan for a global cycling tour.
Planning a European Bike Tour Since 2011
In 2011, Wang Yanxiao confidently devised a 45-day cycling itinerary across eight European countries.
According to the Schengen Agreement, travelers holding a tourist visa from any Schengen country can legally visit all Schengen nations.
Currently, the Schengen Area comprises 26 countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Hearing that the French are romantic and hospitable—and that their visas are relatively easy to obtain—Wang Yanxiao chose to apply at the French embassy first.
To simplify the process, Wang Yanxiao sought help from a travel agency, which tailored an overseas travel plan for him.
When Wang Yanxiao and his cycling friend arrived at the French embassy and explained their intention to cycle, their visa application was rejected.
Belgian Cyclist: Looking Forward to the Arrival of Cyclists from Zhengzhou
After being denied the visa, Wang Yanxiao was very disheartened and shared the news with his European online friends.
On March 10, 2013, a Belgian netizen named Luc sent him a formal invitation letter.
Luc is a director of the Belgian Cycling Federation. He invited Wang Yanxiao and Gao Yuting to visit Europe from June to September this year to meet Belgian cyclists.
Luc said, "We would be very happy to host you at our homes. Belgian cyclists are looking forward to your arrival."
Upon receiving the letter, Wang Yanxiao decided to apply for a visa at the Belgian embassy instead.
Yesterday, Wang Yanxiao, holding his visa, was overjoyed: "Where there's a will, there's a way."
88 Days Cycling Through Europe
"I consulted the national cycling association. Gao and I are among the first group of Chinese people to tour Europe by bike in an eco-friendly way," Wang Yanxiao said, adding that he also hopes to involve other cycling enthusiasts and businesses.
Wang Yanxiao said they will fly directly from Beijing to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on June 11 this year, then travel through Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and back to Belgium before returning to Beijing. Their return date is September 6, making the entire journey 88 days.
Wang Yanxiao said they will also prepare two national flags and a colorful flag promoting low-carbon travel and green environmentalism. "I want to plant the national flag on the Eiffel Tower in Paris!"