You lose your jaw when you see how long the trip is

The unexpected travel routine has made Guangli XU a viral sensation after sharing a video on Chinese social media Douyin entitled 'Challenging the World's Longest Commute to Classes'.

However, what sounds like a terrible decision from an economic perspective makes good sense.

The commuting is certainly not cheap, but Guangli XU believes that the expense is not very different from his monthly living costs in Melbourne.

He says that every trip back and forth costs around 7000 kroner – yet he stands by that it can pay off.

« The total costs are not that different, but I think the money is better spent here (in China, ed.) Because the general cost of living is lower, » he says, before continuing:

« A tour takes about 72 hours. One way is between 10 and 13 hours in airplanes, » Xu explains to SBS Mandarin and adds that between August and October he has taken the trip 11 times.

Guangli XU originally moved to Melbourne eight years ago, where he completed a bachelor in game development and a master's degree in art management.

In his last semester, however, he decided to move back to his hometown and become what he calls an « international commuter ». He usually leaves China on Monday morning and is back home again Wednesday night.

The decision to commute internationally was driven by the desire to spend more time with his family and girlfriend in Dezhou as well as preparing for a career in China after graduation.

Guangli XU closely examined the opportunities for distance education and the Chinese recognition processes for foreign degrees before committing to the extensive itinerary.

Although the weekly commuting sounds extreme to most people, the student explains that frequent flights between China and Australia have made the project realistic. After several years of staying abroad, he is pleased to be able to combine his studies with a more present family life.