Ding Wenxin on his cycling trip to Peking University

Peking University, August 29, 2024: A few days ago, Peking University welcomed its new cohort of undergraduates. Among them was a standout student, Ding Wenxin, from east China's Jiangxi Province. Instead of taking an ordinary route to his campus life, Ding embarked on a 15-day cycling journey from Shanghai to Peking University, covering 1,328 kilometers across 17 cities and three provinces.

Ding Wenxin at the freshman registration event

Ding, an incoming first-year student in the Sociology Department, grew up in Xinyu and had never traveled alone before. Yet, his passion for sports and his dream of attending Peking University fueled this unique adventure.

In high school, Ding was an avid runner who consistently participated in physical fitness training. This love for physical challenges inspired him to start his university life in an "unconventional way" — by cycling to campus.


"I'm someone who loves adventure and challenges," he shared, "I wanted to push my limits and step out of my comfort zone." "For me, cycling represents a sense of freedom — I enjoy the feeling of continuously moving forward without looking back. Although it's tough, the sense of accomplishment after completing it is immense."

Before setting out on his journey, Ding dedicated himself to rigorous preparation. He would wake up at 3 a.m. every day to cycle 40 to 50 kilometers, followed by a run to enhance his physical fitness.

He also taught himself basic bike maintenance skills, like patching and changing tires, by watching online videos. Although his family was initially concerned about his long ride, they chose to support his dream, sharing survival skills and helping him plan his route.

The bicycle route Ding planned with his family members

Ding's journey was an opportunity to connect with the vast landscapes, culture, and nature of China. He crossed major rivers like the Yangtze, Huai, and Yellow Rivers, and climbed iconic mountains such as the Yimeng Mountains and Mount Tai in Shandong Province. His path took him through a variety of terrains, from national highways to rural roads, where he experienced sunrises, moonlight, and even a Perseid meteor shower.

Ding fixes a bike tie during the trip

However, the journey was not without difficulties. The route presented steep inclines and declines, and he faced extreme heat and heavy rain, which tested his physical endurance. Fortunately, the constant encouragement from his companion, a friend he met in high school who joined him on this adventure, helped expedite the trek.

Ding with Zhang Tengxin, his 'cycling mate'

One of the most memorable aspects of Ding's journey was the people he encountered along the way. From an old man selling vegetables to restaurant diners and truck drivers, everyone he met opened up when they learned of his destination, Beijing. They shared their own youthful dreams and memories. A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when a generous older woman and a young man stopped to help repair his companion's bike, even offering extra tape for emergency use.

Ding poses for a picture with his friend during the trip

These encounters were especially meaningful for Ding as a sociology student. He reflected, "What I saw and experienced along the way taught me about different people's work and life philosophies. This journey not only enriched my life experience but also served as a professional exploration. It demands patience, perseverance, and courage to face the uncertainties and challenges along the way."

Ding with his family at the Peking University West Gate

Ding with his new friends at Peking University's Wu-si Sports Center

As Ding looks ahead to his time at university, he hopes to maintain the courage and passion that fueled his journey. "You never know what you're capable of until you try," he said. "I hope to explore as much as possible at university and make my college life more enriching."

This story is featured in "PKU New Faces" series.

Written By: An Bingjie
Edited By: Dennis Meng
Source: PKU News & Media Center; China Daily
Photos by: Courtesy of the interviewee