Despite mother nature, mechanical difficulties and the constant pressure of flying into unknown skies, a man is about to make history as the first Chinese citizen to fly around the world in a single-engine plane. Wei Chen, founder and owner of Sunshine Enterprises, a company with offices in China and Memphis, is flying his TBM 700 around the world, including his landmark flight across China.

Halfway through his journey, which originated from Memphis, Chen was planning to takeoff July 7 from Hong Kong and arrive in Changsha, some three hours later, where his hometown, friends and family awaited his arrival. From Changsha, Chen's plan has stops including Xian, Beijing and Harbin, as he brings his hope for Chinese civil aviation to the citizens of China.

"I am excited flying into China," says Chen, "this has always been my dream. Seeing my homeland from the air, it is very exciting, to be the first pilot to fly around the world through China, in a single engine plane. It defines the meaning of the whole trip and this defines my life."

Chen will cover 41 stops in 21 countries in 69 days. Follow his journey at WeiAroundTheWorld.com.