Nine-Year-Old Chinese Boy Cares for 73-Year-Old Grandfather, Brings Him Meat from School Canteen
Story of Zichen, who handles all household chores after father's death and mother's departure, viewed 46 million times on social media
Quick Look
- A nine-year-old boy nicknamed Zichen in rural Henan province, China, has become an internet sensation after his story of caring for his 73-year-old grandfather went viral.
- The boy, whose father died several years ago and mother left the family, handles all household chores and brings meat from his school canteen for his grandfather, fearing he might die without it.
- The video has been viewed 46 million times, prompting local authorities to intervene with assistance.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
This story emerges amid broader discussions about rural China's aging population and the challenges faced by left-behind children. Zichen represents a growing number of children in rural China who must take on adult responsibilities due to family tragedy and absence of parental support.
A nine-year-old boy in rural China who relies on his 73-year-old grandfather and brings him meat from his school canteen because he fears the old man might die without it has touched millions of internet users in the country. The boy, who is nicknamed Zichen, is a primary school pupil who lives in a village in Taikang county, central Henan province. His story has been viewed 46 million times on social media, sparking the local authorities to intervene with help. According to a report by Henan TV, Zichen's father died of an undisclosed illness several years ago and his mother left the family and remarried. His grandmother also died many years ago, leaving his grandfather as his sole carer. Despite his age, Zichen handles all the household chores, such as cooking, washing and hanging up clothes. The boy is so sensible that his grandfather said he felt sorry for him. "I feel I owe him for not providing my boy a good life," the grandfather told the media.
Open Questions
- What specific assistance will local authorities provide?
- Will the mother be contacted or encouraged to return?
- How will Zichen's education be affected by his caregiving duties?
