Youngsters take long way home

Five Hunan college students who decided to walk home at the end of the academic term have been attracting unusual official publicity and support.

Li Huang and four female students set off on January 12 from the Hunan College of Finance and Economics in Changsha for a 317-kilometer stroll to Chenzhou.

"We had a big dinner at a friend's home last night," Li told the Global Times while leading the group down the National Higway 107 on Monday afternoon, the first day.

College deputy publicity director Liu Zheng sent them their student certificates. Other students have sent encouraging text messages.

Along the 10-day road, the youngsters will reportedly help the elderly with housework and chat to children left behind by migrant worker parents. "We hope bring them care and warmth this winter," Li said.

A professor at the college found a sponsor who provided the youngsters with coats, compressed biscuits and emergency medicine. A friend of Li bought them medical insurance, reflective vests, raincoats, headlamps and kneepads.

Li said he spent three days online searching maps and information to determine the route. Other members of the group rehearsed their hiking, running and climbing.

They bought drugs, trekking poles, outdoor equipment and emergency supplies. These purchases helped engender their parents' support, Li said.

"I had this idea when I was a freshman," Li wrote in his diary. "I like hiking very much."

A 50 yuan Changsha-to-Chenzhou train takes about four hours to get home, but they prefer to walk.

"It's worth it," said group member Liu Juan.