The team of 23 Taiwanese cyclists, representing Taiwan's 23 million people, is slated to arrive in Shanghai, May 28.

The peloton will pass through 13 ancient cities scattered throughout Hebei, Shandong and Jiangshu provinces before reaching Shanghai in eastern China.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the start of the journey, Liu expressed hope that the trip will serve as a bridge for exchanges between bike aficionados on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The 75 year-old Liu, whose company is Taiwan's largest and most prominent bike maker, rides a Giant cycle that was signed in April by President Ma Ying-jeou during a cycling activity in Taiwan.