30-04-2025
China programmer lives in car for four years, despite owning house as he enjoys free lifestyle
BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese programmer shocked many people after revealing that, despite owning a four-storey house in his hometown, he has been living in his car for four years.
His unusual lifestyle choice is not designed to save money, but simply because he enjoys living that way.
Zhang Yunlai, 41, who is originally from Yangjiang in Guangdong province, southern China, moved to Shenzhen, which is also in the south of the country, for work six years ago.
Initially, he led a routine life, commuting between his flat and office, paying about 2,500 yuan (US$340) a month in rent.
However, a camping experience in a park inspired him to adopt a new way of living.
Zhang bought an electric vehicle four years ago and discovered that the back seat could accommodate a mattress, making it comfortable to sleep in.
Since then, he has been sleeping in his car during the working week.
'An electric car lets you use air conditioning and fit a mattress inside, so sleeping there actually feels pretty comfortable,' said Zhang.
During workdays, he eats at the company cafeteria after work, showers at the gym and drives to a charging station for his car.
He then finds a quiet place in a park where he folds down the vehicle's back seats, lays out a mattress, and sleeps.
Zhang said that the park has 'five-star' public toilets where he can wash up. He takes his laundry home on the weekend.
He also revealed that by adopting such a lifestyle, his average daily expenses average around 100 yuan (US$14), including meals and other costs.
Parking costs about 6 yuan (8 US cents) per night, with an additional parking fee at the office of 20 yuan a day.
However, Zhang insists that his car-living lifestyle is not motivated by financial hardship, but he chose it simply because he enjoys the lifestyle, feeling free and comfortable.
'I do not have much financial pressure. Even if someone offered me free rent, I would not move. The park environment is far better than a typical flat, and it gives me freedom,' he said.
He acknowledges that his lifestyle choice has saved him about 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) over three years.
Zhang owns a spacious 400-square-metre four-storey house in his hometown.
Before relocating to Shenzhen, he worked remotely, earning more than 10,000 yuan a month.
After that project ended, he moved to Shenzhen to work as a programmer, where he now earns several tens of thousands of yuan each month.
'Many programmers are phased out after they reach 35. I am fortunate to still have a job in Shenzhen. I plan to work a few more years and then return home to be with my family,' said Zhang.
He drives home every week, not only to do laundry but also to spend quality time with them.
'It is a 300-kilometre trip, but I manage to spend three nights a week at home. Being in Shenzhen is purely about making more money,' said Zhang.
His story, reported by the Guangdong Radio and Television station, has sparked a lively discussion on mainland social media.
One online observer said: 'His health must be great, and the winter in Shenzhen must be warm. I feel jealous of both.'
While another added: 'He probably spends all the money he saves on highway tolls.' - South China Morning Post
