A college student from central China’s Hubei province cycled over 1,000 kilometers to Shanghai in 19 days to promote awareness of environmental protection, receiving high praise from related authorities.

Huang Xi’s journey started on Aug. 3 from Xiaochang county, Hubei, spreading the message of environmental protection to over 5,000 people along his route.

Huang said it was not very easy to start a conversation about environmental protection with strangers.

“First you have to narrow the distance between you and your audience,” he noted. For instance, he would greet people at the roadside and introduce himself and his plan.

He told Shanghai Observer that environmental issues were not an ideal conversation opener, as not everyone was interested.

Straw burning was a major focus for Huang since his journey began in summer. “Many people don’t burn straw because there’s a fine, but not many of them know that burning straw actually pollutes the environment,” he said.

Explaining the ban on straw burning, the benefits of garbage classification as well as the importance of aquatic animals and plants protection were major parts of his job on the road.

16 local authorities of environmental protection along Huang’s route praised his efforts.

“Environmental protection calls for not only governmental efforts, but also social endeavors,” said Chen Bin, an official from Wuhan’s environmental department.

Huang shared his experience on social media, which gave him a level of support on his journey.

However, his cycle also drew negative comments. Some said that his journey was merely a publicity stunt, and some even said that it was in fact a trip that Huang had to make since he spent all of his money at internet cafes. Huang refuted the slanderous comments.

Majoring in environmental engineering, Huang set off again on Sept. 27 to participate in a training camp held by a promotion center of environmental protection in Hubei province. “I will share my experience of the journey, and hope people will be enlightened,” he said.