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Yifei Xu, a 33-year-old cyclist from Shanghai, recently completed a remarkable four-month journey across the United States, relying solely on the goodwill of strangers for food, shelter, and support. His purpose? To showcase what he believes to be the inherent kindness in human nature. Xu’s journey, which spanned multiple states and diverse communities, began in New Jersey and took him across the vast American landscape, all the while defying his own preconceptions about the country and the people who live there.
Xu’s adventure was motivated by a personal mission: to challenge his beliefs and see if he could rely entirely on the kindness of strangers. Equipped only with his bicycle, a tent, and a few basic essentials, Xu avoided accepting money or transportation, depending solely on the generosity of everyday Americans. He documented his experiences and encountered a range of responses, but, according to Xu, the vast majority were overwhelmingly positive.
One of his most meaningful interactions occurred in Norfolk, Nebraska, where he initially faced skepticism from a homeowner. After explaining his journey and purpose, the homeowner’s attitude shifted. In a gesture of kindness, he offered Xu food and a place to stay, demonstrating exactly the kind of human connection Xu hoped to find on his journey. Reflecting on the encounter, Xu told NBC, “Before I came here, I had a different — and, you could say, slightly negative — perception of America. But so many people here have offered to help me without expecting anything in return, and it’s really touched me.”
Xu’s journey through the U.S. wasn’t his first long-distance cycling trip. He had previously cycled across Russia, England, and France, but America represented a unique experience. Unlike some travelers, Xu avoided many modern conveniences, including sunscreen, as he believed they might distance him from those he met along the way. By keeping his journey simple and grounded, he felt he could more genuinely connect with others and gain an authentic understanding of local culture.
Throughout his travels, Xu engaged with people from all walks of life, sharing meals, stories, and moments of connection. His journey was filled with countless acts of kindness, small and large, that renewed his faith in human goodness and strengthened his belief that compassion is deeply embedded in human nature. Reflecting on his experiences, he told Norfolk Daily News, “How can we not be touched by the warmth of the world in the goodness of human nature? I’m not proclaiming anything; I’m stating a fact.”
