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]

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.