"Belt and Road" inspires German Runner

Kai Markus Xiong, 44, starts a 12,000 km journey on March 12 from Hamburg to Shanghai to fight prejudice against China. [Photo: @junki72 Twitter]

"Run to break down prejudice" German man is running from Hamburg to Shanghai to fight prejudice against China.

Kai Markus Xiong started his 12,000 km journey on March 12, and estimates that it will take him 235 days to complete. 

44-year-old Kai Markus Xiong is a fitness enthusiast and fan of China. He set off March 12, and is currently in Poland. 

His journey will take him through 8 countries in total.

Kai Markus Xiong, 44, starts a 12,000 km journey on March 12 from Hamburg to Shanghai to fight prejudice against China. [Photo: @junki72 Twitter]

Despite growing up in Bavaria, Xiong has developed a love and respect for China that he attributes to his grandparents, and has visited the country many times.

He even credits traditional Chinese medicine with curing his shoulder pain which Western medicines were unable to help. His journey also appears to be partly inspired by China's One Belt, One Road initiative.

"China is trying to become better and better. Now the new 'one road one belt' and 'made in China 2025' policy really fit my way of thinking," he writes.

The roadmap of Kai Markus Xiong’s journey from Hamburg to Shanghai. [Photo: @junki72 Twitter]

In order to help change others' thinking and outdated perceptions about China, Xiong says that he will be using Chinese products during his journey to show that they can stand up to the wear and tear. With his "run to break down prejudice" he hopes to bring Germany and China closer together.

"A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. I hope my footprints can connect Germany and China, and open a door for the world to know China," he added.