Man, 70, completes solo journey to Tibet

A 70-year-old man from a village in Shijiazhuang, North China's Hebei province, spent 98 days on a solo journey to Tibet, and calls for more people to travel when time allows.

Chen Juwen recently returned to his home in Taitou village in triumph on his vehicle - an electric tricycle.

"I heard the scenery there is beautiful, but traveling to Tibet may be a little bit challenging, given its high altitudes," Chen was quoted as saying by Yanzhao Metropolis Daily, a local newspaper in Shijiazhuang.

He said the more challenging it was, the more he wanted to try.

But traveling alone at his age worried his family and they opposed his going so far away.

"My father is too old to do such a crazy thing, plus he has high blood pressure and a heart problem," his son, Chen Guopeng, said.

But worry was useless to the determined older man.

Without telling anyone, Chen Juwen started his journey alone one morning in June, carrying his necessities, including a storage battery for his electric tricycle and bedding.

On his journey, which lasted more than 5,000 kilometers, Chen enjoyed numerous scenic spots and historical sites.

"The fantastic scenery on the road and at my destination made me happy and satisfied," Chen said.

He gained other benefits besides sightseeing.

The exercise involved in such a long journey led to him losing nine kilograms and gave him opportunities to make more than 300 friends, either local residents or other travelers.

"I hope more people can go outside and have a look at things that will make them happy and healthy," Chen said.