Wealthy, Educated Man Chooses to Live on the Streets

Zhao Dian, a 32-year-old from China, has sparked widespread debate after abandoning an elite lifestyle to live as a homeless individual, surviving on just 100 yuan (US$14) a month. Despite his prestigious background — having lived in cities like Sydney, New York, Beijing, and Paris while earning multiple degrees in finance — Zhao chose a radically different path.

Growing up in Shanghai before moving to New Zealand at the age of 10, Zhao excelled academically, eventually earning two bachelor’s degrees and three master’s degrees. Yet, beneath these achievements, he struggled with loneliness, family conflicts, and the pressure to succeed. He described his education as a “shackle,” burdened by strict parents and a lack of emotional support.

While living abroad, Zhao often felt isolated, finding comfort mainly among other Chinese expatriates. In Paris, he discovered unexpected joy working in a restaurant kitchen, performing simple tasks like washing dishes. Returning to China in 2023, he briefly worked in hospitality before moving to Dali, Yunnan, where he embraced a low-cost, minimalist lifestyle on the streets.

Today, Zhao lives modestly, eating at free vegetarian restaurants, showering at hostels, and wearing second-hand clothes. He spends his time reading, writing, and engaging in small community projects like book clubs and online counseling videos. Despite cutting ties with his parents, Zhao continues to yearn for genuine human connections. He also has a daughter in New York with whom he keeps in touch online.

Zhao’s unconventional decision has sparked mixed public reactions. Some sympathize with his choice, seeing it as a path of healing from his difficult upbringing, while others criticize him for being overly idealistic and neglecting his parental responsibilities. Nevertheless, Zhao insists his low-cost lifestyle has brought him greater happiness and freedom than his elite education ever did.

Source: SCMP, GBA Community