2025-06-11T10:05:01Z

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A remarkable story has emerged from Sichuan province in China, where a 35-year-old man named Min Hengcai has completely transformed his life by leaving behind the hustle and bustle of urban living to dwell in a cave. Min's journey towards simplicity and self-discovery began in 2021 when he made the bold decision to quit his job as a ride-hailing driver, a role that once provided him with a monthly income of approximately $1,400.

Min's disillusionment with his job stemmed from the immense stress and pointlessness he felt in working long hours merely to pay off family debts. Despite having made a decent living, the pressures of financial obligations weighed heavily on him. He still owes a staggering $42,000, a burden that he claims he has decided to stop trying to repay, particularly after his relatives sold his property to resolve some financial issues.

In a radical lifestyle change, Min traded his land for a smaller piece that included a nearby cave, investing around $6,000 to renovate it into a livable space. Now, he begins his day at 8 AM, engaging in a variety of fulfilling activities such as reading, taking long walks, and growing his own food. He adheres to a strict budget, spending only on essentials, and retreats to bed by 10 PM, embodying a life of simplicity that he once only dreamed of amidst the chaos of city living.

Min affectionately refers to his cave as the “Black Hole”, symbolizing not only his refuge but also a reminder of his insignificance in the vastness of the world. His unique lifestyle has ignited considerable interest online, as he shares his experiences with an audience of 40,000 followers who are captivated by his minimalist way of life.

In interviews, Min has openly expressed his views on marriage, labeling it as “a waste of time and money.” He argues that the pursuit of true love is so rare that the effort put into relationships is not worth it. In a quote reported by the South China Morning Post, he remarked, “The probability of finding true love is very low. Why would I want to work hard for something so rare?”

Social media reactions to Min's story have been mixed; while some users have dubbed him “tang ping,” a term used for individuals who wish to lead a more relaxed life, others have lauded him as a “true philosopher” for his contemplative approach to life. However, critics have pointed out that he is hardly living off the grid, given his active presence in interviews and live-streaming his experiences.

Min's choice to live a cave-dwelling lifestyle evokes comparisons to Daniel Suelo, an American man who famously lived in a cave near Moab, Utah, for 16 years. Suelo, born Daniel James Shellabarger, chose to abandon money altogether, finding freedom in a lifestyle devoid of financial dependency. He was once described by a friend as “the happiest person” they knew, a sentiment that Suelo echoed in his reflections on life. After returning to care for his parents, he shared his journey online, which culminated in a book titled “The Man Who Quit Money.” Suelo’s philosophy encapsulated the essence of our innate, moneyless existence in everyday interactions.

This fascinating narrative of Min Hengcai continues to resonate with many, raising important questions about personal values, societal expectations, and the true meaning of happiness in an increasingly complex world.