Zhang Jian is attempting to swim some 120 km (72 miles) from Lushun, northern Liaoning Province to eastern Shandong Province, state press reported.

Footage on China Central Television showed Zhang in a black wetsuit diving into the strait under overcast skies, heading due south to begin a crossing which is expected to take between 40 and 50 hours.

No man has successfully swam the distance, according to Chinese press reports.

Zhang, 36, hopes to reach Penglai in Shandong Province early Thursday and expects to subsist on milk and protein powder during the swim.

In an effort to ward off potential shark attacks, Zhang is wearing gloves to cover his palms and the soles of his feet, "which are of special interest to sharks," while carrying with him a small sack of shark repellent, the Beijing Youth Daily said.

His endeavor is being sponsored by the Chinese Swimming Association, the Beijing Youth League and the Beijing Developmental Youth Fund.

State television has begun updates on his progress every half hour.

(China Daily)