Min Hengcai, a 35-year-old from China’s Sichuan province, shocked social media when he chose to leave behind the urban grind for a life of solitude in a cave. Formerly a ride-hailing driver earning $1,400 a month, Min toiled through 10-hour shifts to repay family debts. However, after relatives sold his properties and financial pressures mounted, he became disillusioned with city life.
In 2021, he made a drastic shift—trading his remaining land for a smaller plot that included a 50-square-meter cave. He spent $6,000 to make the space habitable and walked away from his $42,000 bank debt.
Min now leads a simple life. He rises at 8 am, spends his day reading, walking, farming, and retires to bed by 10 pm. With a focus on self-sufficiency, he grows his own vegetables and only buys essentials. He refers to his cave as a “black hole,” a symbol of humility and a reminder of his small place in the universe.
Despite choosing seclusion, Min hasn’t cut himself off from the world entirely. He shares his journey online, gathering over 40,000 followers and generating modest income through live-streaming. While critics question the authenticity of his isolation, many are drawn to his candid thoughts and quiet lifestyle.
On Love, Marriage, and the Meaning of Life
Min has also stirred debate with his views on relationships. He has dismissed the idea of marriage, calling it a “waste of time and money.” According to him, the chances of finding true love are so slim that it's not worth the effort. “Why would I want to work hard for something so rare?” he asks.
A Symbol of Rebellion or Wisdom?
Online, reactions are polarised. Some label Min as part of the "tang ping" (lying flat) movement, which pushes back against societal expectations and the pursuit of material success. Others view him as a modern-day philosopher, offering a radical but insightful commentary on life’s pressures. Whether seen as a dropout or a visionary, Min Hengcai’s story challenges traditional ideas of success and happiness. In a world driven by productivity and wealth, his cave-bound life raises a compelling question—what truly matters?