A young Chinese man, Zhao Dian, has drawn public attention by rejecting an affluent lifestyle and choosing to live on 100 yuan ($14) per month. His story highlights a stark contrast between his past and present choices.
Born in Shanghai, Zhao Dian moved to New Zealand at age 10. He later lived in Sydney, New York, Beijing, and Paris, earning two bachelor’s degrees and three master’s degrees in finance, becoming an academic standout. Reflecting on his upbringing, he described a strained relationship with his parents and harsh treatment from his father, referring to his elite education as “fetters.”
After years abroad, Zhao Dian retreated into solitude, finding comfort among fellow expatriates. While in Paris, he worked in a Chinese restaurant kitchen, deriving joy from simple tasks. In 2023, he returned to China, initially working as a waiter at a beer festival and later at a hotel. Last year, he traveled to Dali in Yunnan Province, where he made the drastic decision to live on the streets.
His daily routine now includes waking at 7:00 AM and sleeping by 9:00 PM. Zhao Dian occasionally showers at hostels, eats at free vegetarian restaurants, and uses hotel laundry services, enabling him to survive on 100 yuan monthly despite having about 2,500 yuan ($350) in savings. He wears second-hand clothing, reads e-books, travels, and participates in projects like organizing book clubs and publishing online psychological counseling videos.
Zhao Dian no longer communicates with his parents in New Zealand but seeks a closer relationship. He has had nine romantic relationships, including a 10-year-old daughter from a previous marriage in New York, whom he maintains contact with via the internet.
While Zhao Dian claims his minimalist lifestyle increased his satisfaction, it has sparked mixed reactions. Some express sympathy, while others criticize him as overly idealistic and irresponsible.
