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Yating Yang

A Chinese man has gone viral for embarking on a journey across China in an excavator, visiting 13 provinces and regions over six months and amassing more than 550,000 followers online.
His remarkable adventure has garnered widespread admiration and envy across Chinese social media platforms.
Wen Xiangpu, 27, from Pingdingshan in northern China’s Henan province, began learning to operate excavators at the age of 15 and spent years travelling the country working at various construction sites.
Facing limited formal education and a tightening job market, Wen conceived a daring plan: to tour China in his excavator.

On March 1, he set off from his hometown in a fully licensed excavator.
“I’m only 27. While I’m still young, I wanted to undertake something bold. I’ve always dreamed of experiencing all of China,” Wen told Jimu News.
“Working one more year won’t make me wealthy. But working one year less gives me the opportunity to explore the entirety of China,” he shared.
Over the past six months, he has visited 13 provinces and regions, including Shandong, Hebei, Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet. He is currently travelling through Sichuan province.
Wen has also adhered to a strict budget, spending about 50,000 yuan (US$7,000) in total over the past six months – primarily on fuel and food. At night, he sleeps in a tent.
Wen has transformed his excavator into a symbol of goodwill, adorning it with banners that read, “A man travels across the nation with an excavator” and “Loving excavation, public welfare companion”.

Throughout his journey, he frequently stops to assist villagers and tourists in need, clearing debris or lifting heavy items, earning heartfelt gratitude from those he has helped.
On August 17, Wen posted a video depicting his travels along China’s National Highway 318. In the clip, he is seen voluntarily removing fallen rocks from the road, helping villagers transport large goods, and freeing a vehicle stuck on the roadside.
As Wen’s popularity as a “road trip influencer” surged, his acts of kindness were captured and shared by online viewers across mainland social media.

His journey has resonated deeply with audiences, leading to over 550,000 followers on his Douyin account.
Looking ahead, Wen plans to continue his route through Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces before returning to his hometown in Henan by the Lunar New Year.
Chinese netizens have expressed a blend of awe, admiration, and humour regarding his journey.

One viewer remarked: “Although it’s a wheeled excavator, anyone who has operated one knows that driving it over long distances requires tremendous perseverance. What a capable individual!”
Another added: “Working one more year won’t make me a millionaire. But working for one year less allows me to see all of China. Thumbs up!”
A third praised: “Sometimes, just setting off is already a victory.”


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Chinese man travels across nation in ‘goodwill’ excavator, gains 550,000 followers in 6 months

A 27-year-old man went viral for travelling across 13 provinces and regions in China over six months using an excavator. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Beginning his journey with excavators at just 15 years old, Wen has spent years travelling across the country, working at various construction sites. Photo: QQ.com

He has transformed his excavator into a symbol of goodwill, displaying a banner that reads, “A man travels across the nation with an excavator”. Photo: QQ.com

As Wen’s popularity as a “road trip influencer” grew, his acts of kindness were reciprocated by those he helped, who often treated him to food and drinks to express their appreciation. Photo: QQ.com

Various clips capture Wen in action, from removing fallen rocks from the road to assisting villagers in transporting large goods and freeing vehicles stranded on the roadside. Photo: QQ.com

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Throughout his trip, Wen often helps villagers and tourists in need – clearing debris, lifting heavy items, earning heartfelt gratitude


Throughout his trip, Wen often helps villagers and tourists in need – clearing debris, lifting heavy items, earning heartfelt gratitude.


China travel

Chinese man travels across nation in ‘goodwill’ excavator, gains 550,000 followers in 6 months

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Throughout his trip, Wen often helps villagers and tourists in need – clearing debris, lifting heavy items, earning heartfelt gratitude

Throughout his trip, Wen often helps villagers and tourists in need – clearing debris, lifting heavy items, earning heartfelt gratitude