A prominent blind Chinese activist has made a dramatic escape from house arrest in Shandong province and fled to Beijing, a friend and fellow activist said Friday.

Chen Guangcheng was driven to Beijing on Sunday after evading his guards, according to He Peirong, his friend who says she traveled with him.

Chen, 40, had prepared for his escape for months, He Peirong said, by lying in bed for prolonged periods so that the guards wouldn't be suspicious if they didn't see any activity from him for a long time.

Once escaped, Chen asked He Peirong and a few other activists for help, according to He Peirong. They met him at a rendezvous point, and then drove him to Beijing and hid him in a safe house, she said.