Foreigner's $500 Tip Sparks Chain of Kindness in Shanghai

Summary: A delivery rider helped a lost foreign traveler at Shanghai airport. Grateful, the traveler gave $500, which the rider used to buy winter jackets for disabled colleagues, spreading warmth across communities.

Source: OT-Team(G), 外卖天使小明

A delivery worker in Shanghai has drawn widespread attention online after sharing a story of an unexpected act of kindness that bridged languages, cultures, and communities.

Xiaoming, a food delivery rider who supports his younger siblings' education through his work, posted a video on January 10 titled "A Delivery Rider Receives a Tip from a Foreigner and Passes It On to Help More Vulnerable People." The video quickly resonated with viewers, garnering nearly one million likes across multiple social media platforms.

In the video, Xiaoming recounts how he received a total tip of USD 500 from a foreign traveler at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. That morning, Xiaoming had arrived at the airport three hours early, as he was planning to pick up a single mother from Xinjiang and accompany her on food delivery work. While waiting near an exit corridor, he noticed a foreign passenger looking confused and unable to find the correct way out.

Seeing the traveler's uncertainty, Xiaoming approached him and asked in English, "Do you need help?" He then communicated with the traveler in English, first guiding him to a restroom after learning that he had endured a long flight, and later escorting him to the airport exit. Xiaoming also helped arrange a taxi for him.

Before leaving, the traveler gave Xiaoming USD 100 as a token of appreciation, saying it was for him to have a meal. Xiaoming explained, using translation software, that food at the airport was expensive and that he would not eat there. Instead, he suggested using the money to buy a warmer winter jacket for an older deaf delivery worker at his station, who continued working late nights despite the cold. At their station, thicker clothing was often prioritized for this colleague.

After reading the translated message on Xiaoming's phone, the traveler was visibly moved. He decided to give an additional USD 400 and suggested that Xiaoming buy a high-quality down jacket, noting that Canadian brands were known for their warmth and durability.

Xiaoming said he was both surprised and deeply grateful. With the total amount, he would now be able to buy new winter jackets not only for the deaf delivery worker, but also for three other delivery riders at the station who live with disabilities.

Before parting ways, the traveler gave Xiaoming a warm hug. Reflecting on the encounter, Xiaoming said that what he had done felt like a very small act of help, yet it was met with extraordinary gratitude. He added that the experience strengthened his resolve to continue supporting vulnerable members of society whenever he can.

Though the encounter was brief, its meaning carried far beyond the airport. The kindness exchanged that day crossed borders and continued on, reminding many that goodwill, once shared, has no nationality and no end.