Many Chinese netizens are touched by a free driving journey across China, from Korla, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, spanning 4,700 kilometers in eight days and eight nights.
Mansur Patar (right) and Maimat Nurdong
In October 2021, Zhao Xulei, a truck driver from Jiangsu, drove to Xinjiang to do the cotton freight business with his wife. They met local truck drivers, Mansur Patar and Maimat Nurdong.
On November 17, 2021, an accident occurred when Zhao was loading cargo, causing blindness to his left eye. After hearing the news, Mansur helped Zhao with his hospitalization and offered to help the couple get the truck home.
Mansur said later to the reporters, "When my friend had trouble in Xinjiang, I must help. We are family."
Mansur Patar (right) and Maimat Nurdong
Zhao went to Beijing for further treatment, while Mansur and Maimat drove his truck back to Jiangsu. To ease Zhao's financial burden, before their departure, Mansur and Maimat found goods to be transported to Jiangsu, so that their pay as drivers can cover the travel expenses and toll and Zhao doesn't need to pay anything.
On the morning of December 9, 2021, Mansur and Maimat set out on their journey. They took turns to rest on the road and ate when hungry. This way, after eight days and nights, spanning 4,700 kilometers, Mansur and Maimat finally arrived in Zhao's hometown, Peixian county, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, in the early hours of December 17, 2021.
Mansur Patar and Maimat Nurdong with Zhao Xulei in Xuzhou
They had decided to return Xinjiang after that, but Zhao persuaded them to stay in Jiangsu because he wanted to thank them in person. Two days later, Zhao went home from Beijing and entertained and thanked them. Zhao said, "When I get a little better, I will go to Xinjiang with my wife again to visit my good brothers."
Mansur Patar and Maimat Nurdong with Zhao Xulei (middle)
Different in ethnic groups, they are all Chinese united in one big family.
(Translated by Yinyue and edited by Xie Wanrong)