In an era where societal pressure often dictates the milestones of life—career, marriage, family—one man from China has taken an extraordinary path to free himself from it all. A 35-year-old former ride-hailing driver, Min Hengcai, shocked many by choosing to abandon modern life entirely. His bold decision? Living in a cave to avoid marriage and the traditional expectations that come with it.
Why He Left Everything Behind
Min Hengcai spent years in the fast-paced world of urban China, working long hours in a job that left him physically drained and financially unstable. The constant pressure to succeed professionally and settle down took a toll on his mental well-being. Frustrated by what he called a “pointless cycle” of debt and stress, Min made a life-altering choice in 2021.
He sold his last piece of property in the city and moved back to his rural hometown in Sichuan province. There, he secured rights to a 50-square-meter cave dwelling. With around $6,000, he renovated it to suit his needs and began living off the land—growing vegetables, cooking his own food, and cutting himself off from the material world.
Rejecting the Idea of Marriage
What stands out most in Min’s story is his unapologetic stance on marriage. In a candid interview, he stated that marriage is “a waste of time and money,” arguing that the odds of finding true love are too slim to justify the effort. To him, relationships and family life come with unnecessary emotional and financial burdens that he simply doesn’t want.
Instead of spending his days chasing love or approval, Min finds solace in the simplicity of nature. He calls his cave the “Black Hole”—a place where he feels at peace, disconnected from societal pressures and judgments.
Social Media Reacts to His Unusual Lifestyle
Min’s unconventional lifestyle has sparked intense debate online, especially among young adults in China. Some people admire his courage to reject a system they feel trapped in, praising his commitment to living life on his own terms. Others, however, view his actions as escapism and believe he’s shirking the responsibilities of adult life.
Regardless of opinions, Min’s story has ignited conversations about the growing dissatisfaction many young people feel with traditional life paths. Rising costs, high-pressure jobs, and unrealistic expectations are pushing more individuals to rethink what happiness and success truly mean.
A Symbol of Rebellion or Peace?
Is Min a rebel, a minimalist, or someone simply tired of conforming? Perhaps all three. His choice to live in a cave may seem extreme to many, but it represents a growing desire among people worldwide to return to simpler living and question societal norms. In an age of burnout and consumerism, his lifestyle challenges the idea that more is better.
Min Hengcai may be living in solitude, but his story has connected with millions. Whether you agree with his philosophy or not, he has undeniably given the world something to think about.