Wan Weizhong starts the "Trash for Coffee" initiative, where visitors can exchange a bag of trash for a free cup of coffee. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A young couple from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Wan Weizhong and Zhang Qiaoyan, are on a remarkable journey across China, combining their love for travel with their passion for coffee and environmental protection.

The couple met in 2021 at a motorcycle shop in Ningbo. They quickly grew close, bonding over their shared love for motorcycles.

"We both love to travel, and after a while, we decided to make our journey even more meaningful," Wan said. They converted their pickup truck into a coffee van and set off on an adventure, serving coffee along the way.

Since last May, their route has taken them to some of China's most stunning locations, including the tranquil shores of Erhai Lake in Yunnan province and the expansive grasslands of Altay in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. They have also ventured through remote areas like Litang county in Sichuan province, where they set up their coffee stand at 4,500 meters above sea level despite facing altitude sickness.

During their journey, they encountered piles of trash in many beautiful natural settings. This left a deep impression on them and inspired them to take action. After returning to Ningbo in late 2024, they launched the "Trash for Coffee" initiative to encourage people to clean up their surroundings. The idea is simple: for every bag of trash collected, volunteers can exchange it for a free cup of coffee.

The initiative quickly gained traction. In one event, 80 volunteers came together to collect 320 kilograms of trash. The couple's efforts continue to inspire those who want to preserve the natural beauty of the places they visit.

Looking ahead, Wan and Zhang are committed to continuing their journey and their environmental work.

"My wife is pregnant now, and I want to bring our child along on future travels, continuing to do public welfare work," Wan said, "Motorcycles brought us together, coffee connects us to nature, and making a difference has given more meaning to our journey."