Yesterday morning, Jiang Wenshan, who had just successfully completed the “Handshake Around China” initiative, appeared at the entrance of Shenzhen Window of the World. In just over two hours, Jiang collected around 20 handshakes and photos with friends, including a 2-year-old child and a man over 50.
Yesterday morning, Jiang Wenshan, a Shenzhen youth with disabilities who was previously reported to be taking nine months to travel across China and sell “dream kilometers” online at 10 yuan per kilometer as part of the “Handshake Around China” initiative, returned. Having set off from Shenzhen in early March and returning yesterday, Jiang finished the plan more than half a month ahead of schedule.
Yesterday, Jiang Wenshan once again set out from Shenzhen Window of the World, walking along Shenzhen Avenue, passing by Jinxiu Middle School, Chegongmiao, and City Mall, before finally reaching the terminal stop, the Grand Theatre, covering a distance of 13.7 kilometers. When he extended his congenitally missing left arm at Window of the World to “ask for handshakes” from passersby, hoping people would accept and include people with disabilities, in just over two hours, over 20 people shook hands and took photos with him.
Calling for better accessibility facilities along the way on Weibo
“I set out as a disabled volunteer from Shenzhen, carrying the dreams of many disabled friends. Along the way, I shook hands with people while walking, hoping this action could help more people understand, accept, and eliminate the unusual gaze toward people with disabilities,” Jiang Wenshan said. Over nine months, traveling through 88 cities in China, covering 31,686 kilometers, and shaking hands with 31,686 citizens—this was the goal he set for his “dream practice journey.” Throughout the journey, Jiang walked a total of 40,589.2 kilometers and shook hands with over 31,000 friends using his left hand.
Along the way, Jiang Wenshan also received support from many enthusiastic netizens. His online plan to sell dream kilometers at 10 yuan per kilometer garnered support from over 260 individuals, totaling 3,223.9 kilometers purchased and 32,239 yuan raised.
At the same time, Jiang Wenshan also observed the state of accessibility facilities in various places during his journey. “I have to say, the accessibility facilities in many places I passed through are really inadequate. Without accessible facilities, it’s very inconvenient for people with disabilities to go out,” Jiang said. Throughout the trip, he observed accessibility facilities and used Weibo to call for improvements.
Hopes to help 1,000 disabled friends start businesses in the future
Yesterday morning, Jiang Wenshan, who had just successfully completed the “Handshake Around China” initiative, appeared at the entrance of Shenzhen Window of the World, holding up the sign that had been with him the whole time: “I am Jiang Wenshan, a disabled volunteer from Shenzhen. I am traveling through 88 cities in China, covering a total of 31,686 kilometers, and collecting handshakes from 31,686 friends.”
When passersby approached him and paused briefly, Jiang would ask: “Can we shake hands? Left hand!” Their gazes would follow his left arm, stopping abruptly just below the elbow joint—he has no left hand.
For those who wanted to shake hands with him, Jiang would shift his body, lean in, shake hands, nod, and thank them—all very skillfully. In just over two hours, Jiang collected around 20 handshakes and photos with friends, including a 2-year-old child and a man over 50.
Jiang Wenshan said the “Handshake Around China” dream journey had returned to its starting point—Shenzhen—but would not be the end. He stated that many disabled people’s biggest dream is to go out and travel, and he will continue to carry their dreams with him. “I heard the accessibility facilities in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are particularly good, with care for the disabled everywhere. So the next stop is Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to truly complete this year’s journey around China.”
Jiang Wenshan also said that starting next year, he plans to spend five years traveling around the world, and then another five years helping 1,000 disabled friends start businesses. “I firmly believe I will achieve one dream after another.”
■ Interview
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the journey?
Jiang Wenshan: Many friends helped me along the way, and society’s acceptance and inclusiveness of people with disabilities have improved a lot, which moved me deeply. When I was sick for three days in Hohhot, Wei, a staff member at the youth hostel, personally prepared some medicine for me and also purchased 5 kilometers of my dream. In August, a Mr. Fang learned I was going to Zhengzhou, contacted me via Weibo, expressed support for me to finish the rest of the journey, and even offered me free accommodation. Mr. Fang rents a place himself, which isn’t spacious, but he made room for me. All of this moved me deeply.
Q: What were your total expenses for the journey?
Jiang Wenshan: The total expenditure for the entire “Dream Practice Journey” was 39,598.9 yuan. Because I believe being responsible for every bit of money is being responsible for my own life, I recorded every expense, filling up 22 pages of A4 paper.
Q: Many people online doubt you’re doing this for show. Will you keep going?
Jiang Wenshan: Along the way, I’ve gained a lot. Now, when faced with doubts, I respond calmly: thank you for your attention, but I will keep going. Because I want to help eliminate society’s mistaken belief that people with disabilities lack ability, and continue to convey the message that people with disabilities can also achieve their dreams. Also, I want to observe accessibility facilities around the world and offer suggestions for improving accessibility in our country upon return, so that people with disabilities can truly integrate into society.
Q: What do you think is the biggest obstacle for people with disabilities in achieving their dreams?
Jiang Wenshan: In my view, society still generally sees people with disabilities as a vulnerable group with limited abilities. In fact, as long as the environment is made accessible, people with disabilities can also live independently and pursue their dreams. For example, if hospitals could provide sign language or captioning services, deaf friends could see doctors independently without relying on family accompaniment; if crosswalks had audio signals, visually impaired friends could safely cross the street with confidence.