A man in east China has helped seven kidnapped children get back to their homes on his 13-year journey across 20 provinces to find his own son who had been missing since he was two.

The 40-year-old father Guo Gangtang, a native of Shandong Province, started his journey on motorbike and never stopped since his son was snatched on September 21, 1997, reported yesterday's Sanxiang City Express.

When he reached a city, he would unfold a long banner with photos of over 500 abducted children on the ground, calling for people's attention.

Thanks to his efforts, seven families found their children, though Guo still knows nothing about his own son's whereabouts.

Guo has gone through eight motorbikes and spent a total of 300,000 yuan (US$43,900) over the 13 years, earning a living by selling gourd pipes.

Guo said he won't give up hope and will continue his journey to recover his son.

The Ministry of Public Security set up a Web page last year at http://www.mps.gov.cn to help reunite infants with their parents.

This site contains information on 60 snatched babies, including their pictures, approximate ages, time of abductions, present locations and other contact details. Only four of them have been reunited with their parents.

Police rescued 2,008 kidnapped children after solving 1,717 cases in a nationwide campaign against child trafficking last year. Tens of thousands of children were reported to be kidnapped nationwide in China.

Editor: Li Jing

Source: Shanghai Daily