On Aug. 20, the entry and exit administration bureau of Wuxi in eastern China welcomed its oldest applicant, 101–year-old Liu Chengxin, who was applying for her first passport along with an exit-entry permit for traveling to Hong Kong and Macau.

“The world is gigantic and I have to see it!” Liu exclaimed joyfully after all of her documents had been issued. Her children said that the family has accompanied Liu to many cities around China in recent years. When they proposed the idea of an overseas trip, the centenarian was thrilled.

Liu's family is planning to take her to Beijing in September, where they will embark on a cruise to Japan and Korea before traveling to Hong Kong and Tibet. If all these plans come to pass, Liu will become China's oldest outbound tourist.

“My mom suffered through many difficulties when she was young, and she didn’t have the time or money to travel. The past few years we have made an effort to take her out with the whole family. When she gets tired, we either carry her or wheel her in her wheelchair; she has never complained about food or other material concerns, but is happy just to be with her family,” said one of Liu's children.

After deciding on an itinerary, Liu's 68-year-old son went to the entry and exit bureau to inquire whether they issue passports to senior citizens of his mother's advanced age. Once an employee at the bureau confirmed that passport issurance has no age limits, her children began to prepare her paperwork.

Liu has 10 children in total, the youngest of which is 54. They all agree that the secret to their mother's longevity is her peaceful mind and gratitude for life. What’s more, Liu has always enjoyed a simple lifestyle and healthy diet.

Liu is currently in overall good health, without any special conditions or diseases. She even still has some of her natural teeth, which she uses to support her as-yet strong appetite.