CHANGSHA, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- In a country where most people rely on trains, planes, or cars to return home for the Chinese New Year reunion, 32-year-old Xia Wanghui chose an extraordinary path: walking.

On Jan. 10, he set off on a 650-kilometer trek from the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen in southern China to his hometown in Hunan Province, a journey that quickly captured widespread attention online.

The motivation behind his grueling adventure? Xia simply said, "I wanted to challenge myself and temper my willpower."

After 16 days, Xia arrived on Saturday to a warm welcome featuring fireworks, embraces from his wife, and cheers from neighbors in Zhajiang Town, Hengyang City. "The moment I reunited with my family, I felt that every step and every bit of effort during the journey were all worthwhile," Xia told Xinhua.

The 2025 Spring Festival travel rush in China began on Jan. 14, with an estimated record of 9 billion passenger trips over the course of 40 days.

As transportation networks grow more advanced and accessible, with high-speed trains and flights reaching even the most remote regions, Xia's bold journey stands as an unconventional take on the world's largest annual migration. Yet, in his own words, he was "bursting with excitement" throughout the entire trek.

Winter is typically a slow season for Xia, who runs an eatery specializing in crayfish in Shenzhen. In previous years, he and his wife would return home weeks before the Spring Festival.

With no prior hiking experience, Xia set out on his most daring adventure. He packed only a few essentials, including power banks, and began his journey in casual shoes rather than proper hiking gear.

"I run a business and often feel a lot of pressure," Xia explained. "I wanted to challenge myself and build mental resilience. When I told my wife about my plan, she supported me, encouraging me to pursue it while I'm still young."

Two days after Xia left Shenzhen, his wife took the high-speed train home, leaving him to complete the journey alone. For Xia, the walk became more than just a physical challenge. "If I succeed in this, no obstacle will ever defeat me again," he thought to himself.

Xia walked over 40 kilometers a day, braving cold weather and challenging terrain. Some nights, he camped outdoors, relying on dry food for sustenance as he pressed on toward his goal.

Along the way, Xia shared updates with his followers on the short-video sharing platform Douyin, where his account has garnered 241,000 likes. Strangers, moved by his story, offered food, water and words of encouragement.

Now, he is enjoying the New Year holiday with his wife, mother and sister in his rural village. "I felt my heart and soul filled with boundless energy, as I wanted to mark this reunion with my family in such a unique way," he said.