And we thought flying cars and walking on water were possible only in fairy tales! Meet Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Xue, 39, who has created a bike which can run in water and made a Guinness World Record. Seventeen years after his first attempt ended with his motorcycle sinking after barely 20 metres, Zhang successfully rode 40.74 kilometres across open water on a specially modified motorcycle. His achievement was reported by Xinhua and China Daily on October 25, 2026 and is now attracting global attention for his splendid feat.The attempt was witnessed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Xiong Wen. He later confirmed the record after officials examined the GPS tracking and timing information. The audiovisual evidence was also taken into consideration.Who is Zhang?Zhang is the founder of Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO. He completed the record-breaking ride in his hometown of Mayang Miao Autonomous County in Hunan province, China. He rode a modified MX450 and set a new Guinness World Records title for the greatest distance travelled over open water by a modified motorcycle.A dream that began with four failed attemptsZhang’s story dates back to 2009. He was just 22 years old then and was fascinated by the idea of riding a motorcycle over water. He decided to experiment with the idea and attempted the challenge four times. But sadly, he failed.His best effort covered only 20 metres. But he never gave up on the idea. 17 years later, Zhang returned to the challenge with considerably more experience, a team of engineers and a much more sophisticated machine.How did he manage to ride a motorcycle across water?So how does a motorcycle manage to remain on the surface of a river for such a long distance? This is one of the biggest questions asked by all.The answer lies in extensive modifications. The bike was equipped with a specially designed amphibious ski system, an enlarged fuel tank and additional waterproofing to protect its essential components.The front ski helped the rider steer and maintain direction, while the specially modified rear wheel used paddle-like elements to push water backwards, generating the thrust needed to move the motorcycle forward.The machine first built up speed on land before moving onto the water. Once there, the combination of speed, flotation structures and water-pushing rear wheel helped it skim across the surface.Five months of preparationIt wasn’t an overnight achievement. Zhang and his team spent five months preparing the motorcycle, repeatedly testing it on water and refining its design.According to reports, the record attempt involved multiple sections and turns on the river. Rescue boats and medical teams remained on standby throughout the challenge to respond to any emergency.Returning to his hometown to make history
Zhang Xue getting ready to ride on water (PC: China Daily)
There was also a personal reason behind choosing Mayang for the record attempt. Rather than taking the challenge to an international sporting venue, Zhang wanted to accomplish it in the place where his journey had begun.The attempt took place on the Jinjiang River in Mayang, with spectators gathering along the riverbanks to watch him make history. He completed the 40.74-kilometre course in approximately 32 minutes, according to a report by Shanghai Daily citing Xinhua and Chinese media coverage.An achievement that shocked the worldIn 2009, he could barely keep his motorcycle above water for 20 metres. This time, he covered more than 40 kilometres. His record is also a showcase of innovation in motorcycle engineering.For Zhang, the biggest achievement may not simply be the Guinness certificate. It is the fact that he returned to an idea that had once ended in failure and finally accomplished what he had set out to do 17 years earlier.What began as four unsuccessful attempts has now become a record-breaking ride watched by people around the world.