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A 90-year-old Chinese man who lost his entire family in a tragic accident has spent decades cycling across the country, finding healing, purpose and kindness on the open road.
90-year-old Zhang Zhongyi bikes through China, turning decades of grief into a lifelong journey of resilience (Image-AI)
A remarkable story of resilience and quiet determination has captured widespread attention across China, as a 90-year-old man continues a long bicycle journey touched by profound personal loss.
Zhang Zhongyi, a native of Kaifeng in Henan province, spent nearly 30 years traveling the country on a humble tricycle, then turned to the road after a series of devastating tragedies that changed the course of his life, according to the SCMP. Despite his age, Zhang is described as attentive, expressive and warm, often greeting strangers with an easy smile.
His journey came into focus after Bai Xiaobai, a passerby in Putian, Fujian Province, encountered him struggling with his tricycle and stopped to help. What started as a simple act of help quickly turned into a very moving exchange, as Chang shared the painful memories that led him to a life of constant movement.
In the 1990s, a fatal car accident claimed the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and young grandson. The emotional toll was overwhelming for his wife, who died the following year. Within a short period, Zhang lost his entire immediate family.
Unable to deal with the grief associated with his hometown, he chooses to leave, embarking on a solo journey that could span decades. Over time, his bicycle was replaced by a tricycle more suitable for traveling long distances, and he began to navigate highways that passed through mountains, deserts, cities and coasts.
His travels took him across the vast expanses of China, from the rugged terrain of Xinjiang and Gansu to the bustling eastern regions of Shanghai and Zhejiang, all the way to coastal cities like Xiamen and Quanzhou. He arrived in Fujian earlier this year, continuing a journey defined less by the destination than by the healing process.
“I have let go of the past,” he told Bai. “Now I want to spend the rest of my life traveling and enjoying the beauty of nature.”
Although age is beginning to take its toll on his memory, with Zhang no longer able to remember his exact home address, he continues to rely on instinct and familiarity with national highways to guide him. Over the years, he managed to survive largely thanks to the generosity of strangers, who provided him with food, clothing and companionship.
While living in Putian, Bai became a regular presence in his life, sharing meals with him, celebrating his birthday, and even teaching him how to use a mobile phone so they could stay in touch. Inspired by his story, she also encouraged others to help through a local “Relay of Kindness.”
Despite offers of permanent shelter, Zhang chose to remain mobile. “This is not begging. This is the life I chose,” he said, stressing his independence.
In a gesture that reflects his compassion for others, his worn-out tricycle is covered in missing person notices, turning his journey into one that also carries the stories of those still searching for their loved ones.
Recent sightings in Fuzhou suggest that Zhang may finally be considering returning home. Reports indicate he plans to travel north before eventually returning to Kaifeng, where local authorities have said he will be eligible for elderly support upon his return.
Zhang’s story resonated deeply online, with many praising his strength and future outlook. As one social media user wrote, his journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to keep moving forward and find meaning along the way.
05 April 2026, 9:00 PM IST
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