Replica of photo published in the New York Times by Li Min / China Daily

A historical world map in Chinese shows the itinerary of Pan Deming's travels. Provided to China Daily

Pan Deming stands at the top of New York's Empire State Building. Provided to China Daily

A Chinese sojourner who walked and biked the globe 81 years ago has left a legacy for future generations. Wu Ping reports.

Young Chinese associate world travel with self-discovery, romantic encounters and bourgeois sentiment.

But 81 years ago, 22-year-old Pan Deming - aka Poon Tuck-ming - embarked on a journey that was even more enthralling than Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days.

He became the first person ever to travel the entire world by bicycle and foot.