Never look back: cyclist’s homecoming plan goes off-track

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Cycling along the highway was the last in a series of mistakes made by a man stopped by local police in Wuhu, east China’s Anhui Province last Friday.

The man was questioned because cycling on the highway is illegal in China, but the queries revealed an outlandish tale of errors as he tried to make it back home in time for Spring Festival.

The man cycles on the highway. /Weibo video screenshot

The man is questioned by police officers. /Weibo video screenshot

The temporary laborer was seeking a livelihood in east China’s Shandong Province, around 1,900 kilometers away from his hometown in Qiqihar, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. Short of money, he decided to ride his way back home to his family for the holidays.

But after 30 days in the saddle and unable to read a map, he ended up nearly 2,400 kilometers from Qiqihar after being given a series of false directions.

Police officers and staff try to help the man. /Weibo video screenshot

The facepalm-inducing story provoked sympathy from the police and toll station staff, and a whip round was held to collect some money for him. The funny story closed with a happy ending, as he bought a train ticket with the money raised and finally headed in the right direction for the family reunion.

Wang Shuan, local traffic police officer, describes the man's situation. /Weibo video screenshot

A video documenting the police's interactions with the man has triggered mass discussion on Chinese social platforms. Some showed sympathy to the man, while others questioned the story he told and called for further inquiries. Either way, people would love to see it as a simple, heartwarming story as long as an innocent man can get home for a festive reunion.

CGTN will keep you posted with any follow-ups, and we’d love to hear what you think!