Zhao Kang, a young man from east China's Jiangxi Province began a bicycle journey to Beijing from his hometown of Yichun city on Sunday, local newspaper Information Daily reported.

Zhao Kang begins his bicycle journey to Beijing in the company of his friends from a bicycle club on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Later, he will finish the journey on his own in 25 days. [Photo: jxnews.com.cn]

He plans to arrive at Beijing in 25 days and then watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games so as to celebrate his 28th birthday on August 8.

To fulfill his goal, it is estimated that he has to ride at least 150 kilometers each day.

Zhao is lucky to get a ticket for the opening ceremony. Only 63,000 other people in the world were fortunate enough to get one.

He carries a camera and video recorder with him and hopes to hold a photo exhibition about his journey and the Beijing Olympics when he comes back.

However, Zhao did not carry the opening ceremony with him for the fear of losing it while on the road. "When I arrive in Beijing, my father will send it to me by express mail," he said.

(CRI July 8, 2008)