Photo: Screenshot of the report

A man from Central China's Henan Province has drawn wide attention online after traveling across China with his excavator, visiting 13 provinces in just six months, amassing a following of 550,000 fans, Jimu News reported on Wednesday.

The traveler, surnamed Wen, said he has already traveled through provinces including Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Northwest China's Gansu Province.

According to the report, Wen began learning to operate excavators at the age of 15, after which he worked at construction sites nationwide. With fewer jobs available last year, he came up with the idea of touring the country by excavator, officially setting off on March 1 this year.

"I am only 27 this year. I want to do something bold while I'm still young, and I've always dreamed of traveling across China," Wen told reporters. 

So far, Wen has spent a total of 50,000 yuan ($7,000), mainly on fuel and food, while camping in a tent he carries with him. His next plan is to travel through Southwest China's Yunnan and Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, then return to his hometown in Henan before the Spring Festival, depending on weather conditions, Jimu reported.

Global Times