30-year-old hikes 5,800 km from Heilongjiang to Tibet

Fan Qiangqiang reaches his destination, Lhasa in Tibet, achieving his dream of 13 years ago on Sept 19. [Photo/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

After hiking 5,793 kilometers in 209 days, Fan Qiangqiang finally stood in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, on Sept 19.

Fan, 30, started the journey from his home in Yian county, Qiqihar in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, on Feb 24, after three months' preparation.

"In 2004, I came across an MV showing the holy and pure scene of the Potala Palace, which deeply attracted me," said Fan. "Since then I wanted to hike to Tibet."

"This year, I celebrated my 30th birthday. I want to leave behind something different," he added.

This is the first time that Fan has gone on such a long-distance hiking, so he spent much time on planning his route and getting familiar with the folk customs of Tibet.