From riches to rags: Chinese scholar chooses homelessness, lives on $14 a month

A 32-year-old Chinese man has left behind a life of privilege to live as a homeless individual, surviving on just $14 a month, reported the South China Morning Post. Zhao Dian’s extraordinary decision reflects a personal quest to redefine success and explore what fulfilment truly means in today’s world.

Zhao spent his early years in Shanghai before moving to New Zealand at the age of 10. Over the years, he carved out an impressive academic path, earning two bachelor’s degrees and three master’s degrees in finance while living in cities like Sydney, New York, Beijing and Paris. Despite this relentless academic pursuit, Zhao felt immense pressure from his parents to succeed. For him, education was both an achievement and a burden.

Reflecting on his childhood, Zhao recalls a strained relationship with his parents. His father enforced strict discipline, even punishing him for being left-handed, while his mother struggled to understand his emotional struggles. “My prestigious education felt like a shackle,” Zhao said, reported the outlet.

Finding joy in simplicity

After years living abroad, Zhao battled deep loneliness, finding comfort mostly in the company of fellow Chinese expatriates. While in Paris, he worked in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant, discovering unexpected joy in simple tasks.

“Washing dishes could bring happiness, so why wait for an ideal job?” he said.

In 2023, Zhao returned to China. He began with temporary roles as a waiter at a local beer festival and in a hotel before making a life-altering decision to live on the streets of Dali, Yunnan, last year.

Zhao now wakes at 7am and retires by 9pm, with occasional showers at hostels. He sustains himself by eating at free vegetarian restaurants and using hotel facilities for laundry. Living modestly on just $14 a month, he survives on personal savings of around $350. His wardrobe consists of second-hand clothing, and he carries an e-reader to dedicate time to reading, travelling and meaningful projects.

Among these projects, Zhao organises book clubs and shares psychological counselling videos online.

Zhao has cut ties with his parents, who still live in New Zealand, though he expresses a longing for close relationships. Over his life, he has been in nine romantic relationships and has a 10-year-old daughter from a previous relationship in New York, with whom he maintains online contact.