Zhang Chuang, a young college student in Henan province, is one of countless individuals taking part in this year's Spring Festival travel rush. What sets him apart, however, is that he walked home rather than taking a train or a plane.

Zhang planned to walk the more-than-300-kilometer distance from Xinyang to Shangqiu in six and a half days, spending 10 hours walking each day. According to Zhang, he kept his plans quiet, relishing the chance to simply experience the world. With some simple equipment and only 69 yuan, he set out on the road.

On his journey, Zhang experienced both warmth and indifference from other people. He said what moved him most was two steamed buns given to him by the door monitor at a primary school in Taihe County. He also experienced difficult times, like when he failed to find a free ride during one leg of his journey.