On 22/2, amidst severe traffic congestion during the Lunar New Year, Tan, from Jiangxi province, affixed a banner to his automobile's windshield. The sign read: "Please let me pass. I am going to Guizhou to propose to the love of my life."

His plea resonated with fellow drivers, who actively assisted him. Upon seeing the message, many drivers moved their vehicles aside to create a path. When traffic became completely gridlocked, drivers even exited their cars, shook his hand, and wished him a safe journey.

With the help of strangers, Tan completed his 12.5-hour journey. He appeared unexpectedly at his girlfriend's doorstep, where she was overwhelmed with emotion and accepted his proposal. On 26/2, the couple drove back to Jiangxi to prepare for their new home.

Tan next to the automobile he used to propose to his girlfriend. Photo: Douyin

Tan, a 26-year-old businessman, had been planning this surprise for his girlfriend. He runs a business in Fujian province and has been with his girlfriend for four years since they met in college. When she returned to her hometown in Guizhou for the Lunar New Year, Tan decided to drive over 1,000 km to surprise her. Before the trip, he came up with the idea for the sign, sharing: "Not only did I want to travel more smoothly, but I also wanted the whole world to know I am marrying the person I love."

The story quickly gained widespread attention online, resonating with millions. It garnered over 2 million views on social media, prompting many heartwarming comments. One user remarked: "Congratulations! But remember not to disappoint her, or you'll owe a debt of gratitude to all the drivers who made way for you that day." Another opinion stated: "Driving a thousand miles through traffic is the purest proof of true love."

Tan's journey occurred amidst record-breaking Lunar New Year travel in China. The travel peak saw about 9.5 billion passenger trips. With 80% of people choosing to drive, expressway traffic volume sometimes reached 71 million trips daily, causing severe congestion nationwide.

Nhat Minh (According to cqnews, SCMP)