Octogenarian poised to complete bike tour around China

Meng Zhaojun, 81, a former teacher who has cycled over 10,000 kilometers in just five months, left Hainan province in southern China to continue his impressive journey on March 2.

Meng first left his home in Mishan, northeast China's Heilongjiang province on July 20, 2016.

“China is so big, and I want to see it," he offered in simple explanation for the trip.

A bike, tent, blanket, mobile phone and digital camera comprise his only equipment. In the evening, he pitches the tent by the roadside, and consumes his supper of steamed bread and water.

Despite having gone through various hardships during the journey, Meng never considered giving up. The kindhearted people who gave him assistance are his biggest motivator; he believes these experiences are the most precious gains he has found on the journey so far.

After setting out from Hainan, Meng plans to spend five months pedaling through China's western provinces before heading to Beijing, where he will conclude his country-wide tour.