In the heart of Hunan province, central China, Li Xiangyang, a 30-year-old man born without arms, is defying expectations and inspiring millions with his unwavering determination.
Li lost both arms after a tragic electrocution accident at the age of four, an incident that not only changed his life forever but also plunged his already poor rural family into debt. Yet, rather than dwell on the past, Li chose resilience.
"What has happened cannot be changed. I can only move forward," he told Jimu News. "There's no need to complain."
At just eight years old, he began practicing calligraphy with his feet, selling his work to help ease his family's financial burdens. That skill would later become a vital source of income.
Today, Li is not only a devoted husband and father of two, but also a hardworking deliveryman by day and a talented calligrapher by night.
In July, facing growing expenses as his children prepared to enter kindergarten, Li took a job as a food delivery rider. Balancing on a unicycle with a delivery box strapped to his back, he navigates city streets using his lips to operate a phone tied to his arm stumps—a system he has mastered with effort and creativity.
Restaurant staff often assist by loading orders, and many customers come down to meet him once they learn of his condition. His positivity and work ethic have moved many; he often receives tips, free meals, and support from fellow riders who share time-saving tips.
In his first month, he completed nearly 200 deliveries and earned 1,300 yuan (around US$180), which he donated entirely to charity.
"I've received so much kindness from others," Li said. "Now I want to pass that on."
By August, his speed and efficiency had improved significantly—delivering up to 40 orders a day.
Still, most of his income comes from selling calligraphy at night, often near tourist spots. With a brush held between the toes of his right foot, he writes powerful Chinese characters such as "Heaven rewards diligence" and "Wealth". His stall, provided rent-free by local authorities, and access to subsidized public housing help ease the family's financial pressures.
Beyond work, Li is active in charity, giving motivational talks to rural children and even sponsoring students who face challenges of their own.
"I want people to see that even without arms, you can still live a full, hardworking life," he said.
Li's story has captured the hearts of millions on Chinese social media. Comments pour in, calling him a role model and a beacon of perseverance:
"He's stronger than many people with all four limbs."
"His story gives me hope—I'll keep chasing my dreams too."
Through unthinkable adversity, Li Xiangyang is not just surviving—he's thriving, giving back, and reminding the world that strength comes not from limbs, but from the will to rise, adapt, and inspire.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3324043/armless-chinese-man-delivers-food-unicycle-uses-lips-navigate-phone-call-customers?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
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