Zhang Xue Breaks Guinness World Record in His Hometown, Achieving a 17-Year Dream

October 25, 2026 — Zhang Xue, founder of ZXMOTO, has set a new Guinness World Record in his hometown of Mayang Miao Autonomous County, Huaihua, Hunan Province, China. Riding a modified MX450 motorcycle, Zhang traveled 40.74 kilometers across open water, setting a new record for the “farthest distance traveled on open water by a modified motorcycle.”

The challenge took place near Xiaopo Village in Guogongping Town, Mayang. Zhang rode a specially modified motorcycle across an open stretch of water. Guinness World Records officials witnessed the attempt and verified the results, confirming that he had surpassed the previous record of 31.8 kilometers.

The achievement was more than a technical milestone for Zhang. It fulfilled a dream he had pursued for 17 years. In 2009, when he was 22, Zhang attempted to ride a motorcycle across water using metal plates attached to its wheels. All four attempts ended in failure, with the motorcycle traveling only about 20 meters at its farthest before falling into the water. The experience remained an unfinished ambition for years.

Over the following 17 years, Zhang progressed from a motorcycle repair apprentice to an entrepreneur in the motorcycle industry, eventually founding the ZXMOTO brand under his own name. Preparing for the latest challenge, his team repeatedly tested and refined the motorcycle’s buoyancy structure, waterproofing, power delivery and stability on the water. After approximately five months of preparation, the team successfully turned the long-held ambition into reality.

Choosing to attempt the record in his hometown gave the event a personal significance beyond the achievement itself. Zhang said he also hoped the challenge would help more people discover his hometown and bring international attention to the area.

From repeated failures in 2009 to a record-breaking performance in 2026, Zhang’s journey highlights the importance of persistence, learning from setbacks and continuous technical improvement. His achievement fulfilled a personal dream while bringing renewed attention to Mayang, the place he calls home.