In an extraordinary display of endurance and commitment, a man from Nanjing completed a 4,400-kilometer bicycle journey to the city of Lhasa in Xizang autonomous region in hopes of reconciling with his ex-wife, reported The New Times, a Shandong-based news portal, on Sunday.
The man surnamed Zhou, who separated from his wife surnamed Li in 2022 after more than a decade of marriage, had often thought of reuniting with her and their two children. When he learned in July that Li planned to drive to Lhasa, Zhou proposed joining her for safety. Li responded with a challenge: "If you want to reconcile, ride a bicycle to Lhasa. If you can do that, we can remarry."
Accepting her challenge, Zhou set off on July 28, embarking on a grueling 105-day trek over rugged terrain and high-altitude regions. Along the way, he encountered landslides, severe altitude sickness, and other challenges, which only strengthened his resolve.
Upon reaching Lhasa on Nov 9, Zhou video-called Li, who had stopped in Nyingchi early due to altitude sickness. "In that moment, we were both silent, just looking at each other," he recalled. "I could feel the tears welling up."
Li, who had set the challenge to test Zhou's commitment, admitted that she hoped the journey would help repair their relationship. "We have children, and there's still love," she said. Moved by his determination, she agreed to remarry.
Zhou went to find her and drove her all the way from Nyingchi to Lhasa.
The couple spent a day together in Lhasa before Li boarded a train back home.
Zhou, undeterred, planned to complete the remaining 400 kilometers of his journey in Xizang before returning to Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Reflecting on his journey, Zhou said the trek had deepened his understanding of marriage and resilience, reinforcing his commitment to mutual care and tolerance.
"I look forward to starting anew," Zhou said, filled with optimism for the future.
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