Pedaling cross-country to chase dreams

Forging friendships

As a wonderful means to travel slowly, cycling provides a great way for riders to explore new lands, their food, history, landscapes and people with an open mind and a little juice in the legs.

When Zhang recorded the stunning seascape at UNESCO-listed site Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, in Quang Ninh province, a young man noticed Zhang and his bike. After coming to know about Zhang's plan to cycle across Southeast Asia, the Vietnamese said one day, he would also embark on a bike journey like Zhang.

At the Temple of Literature in Hanoi to worship Chinese philosopher Confucius, a local woman was happy to know that Zhang was from China and told him that she hoped to study in Shanghai next year. Her Chinese name is Yang Huiying.

In Cambodia, Zhang was invited to a local birthday party, an experience he cherishes, and many others that shaped his memories of other people's lives, lifestyles and livelihoods.

The friendships established during his adventure brought Zhang closer to local life and culture, which made him feel like being a part of the local community.

Zhu also has many such moments with people in his 12-year bike journey. When he started his ride in South America in 2016, two foreigners fond of Chinese culture impressed him. One was the owner of a hostel in Ecuador, who had traveled to many places in China, conducted small business there, and had a great impression of the country. Even the pattern on the cups he used at home featured Chinese dragons, and he had a collection of some well-known varieties of Chinese liquor.

After cooking him an authentic Chinese meal, the owner waived his room fee for the night. In Zhu's mind, it reflected the ancient Chinese saying: "Treat others with courtesy, and they will respond in kind."

The other was an old man from Peru who was also a fan of Chinese cuisine. Although Peru has a lot of Chinese restaurants, the man was not satisfied and kept inviting Zhu to showcase his culinary skills at a family party. After spending two long hours in the kitchen, Zhu came out with delectable dishes, impressing everyone.

The man's son-in-law asked Zhu to teach him how to cook fish. Gesturing with hands and explaining cooking techniques in broken English, Zhu got a thumbs-up from his host.

"It proves that food has no borders but serves as a good way to bring people together," Zhu says.