On July 28, Li Kaichao cycled into Shanghai.
"5,0012 kilometers," said Li Kaichao, a teenager from Karamay, Xinjiang, as he glanced down at the bicycle computer. After a month and a half of cycling, he had finally crossed China and arrived in Shanghai. This freshman in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology spent his summer on this "crazy" ride and through self-reliant efforts, marking his transformation from high school student to university freshman.
Classmates donate books, auction raises travel funds
"Going to college in Shanghai" had always been Li Kaichao's dream. After the gaokao, unwilling to waste the summer "eating, sleeping, and watching TV," and wanting to give himself a meaningful "youth gift," he came up with the idea of cycling to Shanghai.
Cycling to Shanghai required preparation. As the class sports representative, Li had no concerns about stamina. Half a year before the gaokao, while studying, he began searching online for cycling tips from fellow travelers—what to watch out for, what gear to bring—and carefully gathered all kinds of information. Beyond stamina and knowledge, he also needed to figure out how to fund the bike, equipment, and food. He gave a "presentation" at his middle school, sharing his dream with classmates and hoping they would donate unwanted books after the gaokao for him to sell. To his surprise, the support from classmates exceeded his expectations. Books donated by students from seven classes were displayed at a several-meter-long book stall and sold for three full days, earning him 3,500 yuan. As soon as his college choices were confirmed, on June 14, Li set off with his backpack toward the city he had long dreamed of.
Travel by day, sleep in tents by night
Starting from Kuytun in northwestern Xinjiang, Li Kaichao passed through Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan, and other places, cycling eastward toward Shanghai. Along the way, he traversed basins, mountains, valleys, and plains. When tired, he pitched a tent by the roadside, under bridges, or in the woods to sleep. When hungry, he cooked simple meals on a gasoline stove. He rose early every day to cycle before the scorching sun was high in the sky.
Traveling from Shanshan to Hami meant crossing a 350-kilometer no-man’s land. The scorching heat slowed his progress, and for two days, Li couldn’t cycle out. "On the second night, my water ran out, my food was gone, my phone died, and my bike wheel got punctured—I almost didn’t make it out. In the end, a passing small truck got me out of the no-man’s land." In Turpan, the near 50°C heat caused him to suffer heatstroke and pass out in a bridge tunnel. In Shaanxi, he once cycled along landslide-prone mountain roads.
"When I reached Henan, I got news that my admission letter from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology had arrived. Hearing that gave me even more motivation!" After enduring countless hardships, on July 28, Li Kaichao’s wheels finally crossed into Shanghai.
Works as security guard, guards warehouse to earn tuition
Li’s parents make a living growing cotton, and their family income is considered modest. He also has an older brother in college, so the expenses for both children are a significant burden on the family. "I don’t want to be a burden to my parents. All my travel expenses came from selling the books and saving up my financial aid. I plan to find a summer job in Shanghai to earn some living expenses for college."
After some effort, he found a security job—standing guard at the Expo Park, patrolling warehouses overnight in Zhabei. This "soon-to-be university student" worked 12 hours a day until the day before registration. His work earned him 4,000 yuan, which he plans to use to buy a computer for studying.
Gained life insights, found self-confidence
"I used to think I wasn’t a person with perseverance, so I wanted to prove myself," Li said, having found confidence through the cycling journey. Looking ahead to his four years of university life, he is full of anticipation: "Since I was little, I’ve loved mechanics—I even took apart our home hairdryer into pieces just to collect parts. I also enjoy tinkering and inventing small things. I hope to create an innovative product during my four years at university and apply for a patent. If things go well, I’d like to start my own business after graduation!"
The 5,000-kilometer journey also gave him insights into life: "I think life might be like cycling from Xinjiang to Shanghai. When you reach a peak, remind yourself there will surely be valleys ahead. And when you’re in a valley, tell yourself it will pass—everything leads to smoother roads. Life should also be faced with a calm mindset, whether in success or setback, because everything eventually returns to normal."