A man in China cycled nearly 4,400km over 100 days to reconcile with his estranged wife, sparking criticism from netizens. - Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
BEIJING (SCMP): A man cycled nearly 4,400km to southwestern China over 100 days to reconcile with his estranged wife after two years of separation, unexpectedly igniting concerns and criticism among Chinese netizens.
Zhou, in his 40s and originally from Lianyungang, Jiangsu province in eastern China, met his wife, Li, in Shanghai, and they married in 2007.
After divorcing in 2013, the couple reconciled and remarried, subsequently welcoming a son and a daughter. However, they later separated again due to personal conflicts.
“There wasn’t a serious issue between us; we’re just both very stubborn and acted impulsively, leading to several break-ups and reconciliations,” Zhou explained, adding that they remained in contact and both hoped for a chance to reunite.
Reflecting on their reunion, Li shared: “He reached out wanting to get back together, and I jokingly said I was driving to Lhasa. If he could ride a bike there, I might consider reconciling.”
“Honestly, I was just saying it casually; I did not expect him to actually do it,” Li told the Yangtse Evening Post.
Zhou embarked on his cycling journey from the southeastern city of Nanjing on July 28, and over 100 days, he covered 4,400km, ultimately reaching Lhasa on October 28.
During his journey, Zhou encountered two significant incidents. The first occurred in eastern China’s Anhui province, where he suffered heatstroke and required hospitalisation
The second, more severe incident took place in Yichang, central China’s Hubei province, where he collapsed while cycling on the road, once again suffering from heatstroke in 40-degree heat and having run out of water.
During his journey, Zhou experienced two significant incidents of heatstroke that required hospitalisation. - Photo: Baidu
“The situation in Yichang was quite serious; my wife even drove hundreds of kilometres to take care of me,” Zhou recounted.
Li encouraged him to abandon the trip, saying: “I see your sincerity. If you truly want to be together, there’s no need to risk your life.” However, Zhou refused, determined to complete the journey and prove his commitment.
Later, as Li was driving back, she experienced altitude sickness in Nyingchi, 400km from Lhasa, prompting Zhou to rush to her aid.
Once she recovered, they continued their journey together to Lhasa. Upon their arrival on October 28, they held a small reconciliation ceremony and officially announced their reunion.
Currently, Zhou is planning his next cycling trip to Nepal and Europe, while Li has returned home in Jiangsu province.
Even though the two have reconciled, many critics have expressed their concerns about them neglecting their kids by travelling far from home. - Photo: Baidu
“I did not return with her because I plan to continue cycling. Next stop: Nepal,” Zhou shared. “She also mentioned that she might come to find me once she feels better.”
Last year, about 3.61 million couples divorced in China, resulting in a divorce rate of 2.6 per 1,000.
In 2021, the Chinese government enacted a new law mandating couples to undergo a 30-day “cooling-off” period, requiring them to wait 30 days after submitting a divorce application before the separation is finalised.
The couple’s story elicited mixed reactions, with many criticising them for lacking commitment to marriage and responsibility towards their children.
One online commenter noted: “It may seem touching, but the core issue is that both are too stubborn. Their personalities are unlikely to change. Even if they travelled over 4,000km, love that involves tormenting each other is unlikely to endure.”
Another netizen questioned: “Who is taking care of the kids during their trip? Do they not need to attend school?”
While a third added: “Before setting off, the husband completely followed his wife. But after she returned home, he decided to continue cycling to Nepal and Europe without returning home first. Is this the allure of cycling? To make a man so devoted that he forgets he has a wife and two kids waiting at home?” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
