GUIZHOU, China — A 26-year-old businessman from Jiangxi province successfully completed a 932-kilometer (579-mile) trek across China’s congested highway system to propose to his longtime girlfriend, fueled by an unusual wave of support from fellow travelers. The journey, which took place during the peak of the Lunar New Year travel rush, saw hundreds of motorists yield the right-of-way to ensure the romantic gesture stayed on schedule.
The “Fast Lane” to Engagement
The man, identified only by his surname, Tan, set out in February to reach his girlfriend of four years in her hometown of Guizhou. Facing the notorious “Spring Festival” traffic—the largest annual human migration on Earth—Tan deployed a creative strategy to navigate the gridlock.
He affixed a bright red banner to his rear window with a message that resonated with thousands of weary travelers: “Brothers, let me go first. I am heading to Guizhou to propose to the love of my life.”
The gamble paid off. Rather than the typical frustration associated with holiday delays, Tan reported a groundswell of “highway chivalry.” According to reports from Jiangxi TV and the South China Morning Post, drivers began honking in celebration and physically maneuvering their vehicles to create a path for Tan’s car.
A 12-Hour Test of Devotion
The logistics of the trip highlight the scale of the endeavor:
- Total Distance: 932 kilometers (~580 miles).
- Total Drive Time: 12.5 hours.
- Route: From Jiangxi (Central China) to Guizhou (Southwest China).
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“At first, the journey felt endless,” Tan told local media. “But the closer I got, the more excited I became. The kindness I received made my happiness even greater.”
Eyewitness accounts shared on the social media platform Douyin showed the banner sparking interactions across provincial lines. In one instance, during a particularly heavy standstill, a fellow motorist reportedly exited their vehicle to approach Tan’s window and offer personal congratulations.
A Successful Union
Tan arrived at his destination on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, surprising his girlfriend at her family home. The proposal was accepted immediately, followed by a formal engagement ceremony held three days later.
The couple returned to Jiangxi on February 26 to begin wedding preparations. While the “proposal banner” was a practical tool to beat the traffic, it has since become a viral symbol of communal goodwill in a country often defined by its grueling commutes.
Looking Ahead
The couple is slated to wed later this year. Their story has prompted a wider discussion on Chinese social media regarding the “Spring Festival” travel culture and the evolving ways the younger generation is utilizing digital and physical platforms to celebrate traditional milestones.
