MAYANG MIAO AUTONOMOUS COUNTY, Hunan Province — Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Xue set a Guinness World Record on October 25, 2026, by riding a modified motorcycle 40.74 kilometres across open water, officials said.
The attempt on the Jinjiang River in Mayang Miao Autonomous County marked the culmination of a 17-year journey. Zhang, 39, founder of motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO, first attempted the feat at age 22 in 2009, but all four initial efforts failed, with his best distance covering only 20 metres before his motorcycle sank.
Undeterred, Zhang spent five months working with engineers to refine the design of his specially modified ZXMoto MX450. The motorcycle was equipped with an amphibious ski system, enlarged fuel tank, additional waterproofing and water floatation slides underneath both tyres. The front ski aided steering and direction maintenance, while the specially modified rear wheel used paddle-like elements to push water backwards, generating thrust to move the motorcycle forward.
The machine first built up speed on land before moving onto the water surface. Rescue boats and medical teams remained on standby throughout the challenge. Guinness World Records adjudicator Xiong Wen witnessed the attempt and confirmed the record after examining GPS tracking, timing data and audiovisual evidence.
Zhang completed the 40.74-kilometre course in approximately 32 minutes, finishing six laps. The previous record stood at 31.8km (19.7 miles). Zhang’s attempt comfortably surpassed that distance.
For Zhang, the achievement represents more than a Guinness certificate. It is the realization of a goal first set nearly two decades ago, transformed from four unsuccessful attempts into a record-breaking ride witnessed by spectators along the riverbanks.
Zhang is also the founder of the motorcycle brand Kove, which he established in 2017 before leaving in 2024 to launch ZXMoto.
