Editor's note: A carefree long-distance journey is one of the most romantic things in the world for every young couple. Such is the case with Lai Min and Ding Yizhou, only one thing about their journey is not so carefree: one of them made it in a wheelchair.

Lai Min, 28, suffers from hereditary cerebellar ataxia, a disease characterized by a staggering gait and unsteady movement. Since she showed no signs of recovering from the disease after she and her boyfriend Ding had spent all their savings, Lai said to him one day, "I'd rather travel around than sit here waiting for death." Ding then began to prepare for their journey: he modified the wheelchair, bought some outdoor equipment and was given a tent by his friends.

The couple started their journey from their hometown in the city of Liuzhou in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Jan. 3, aiming to take a heart-shaped journey around China.

"When we come back to Liuzhou after the journey, I'll give her a ring and a perfect wedding," Ding said.

Ding Yizhou gives bread to his girlfriend, Lai Min, on Jan. 7. [Photo/China.org.cn]