Latest news with #Heyuan
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Legless Chinese shoemaker impresses public with English fluency, dreams of delivering speech at Harvard
Freepik/drobotdean CHINA: In the crowded and buzzing streets of Heyuan, Guangdong province, a 44-year-old shoemaker without legs is rousing China with his extraordinary account of determination, self-learning, and imaginings that reach all the way to Harvard. According to a recent South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, Huang Huaquan lost both legs in a heart-rending accident when he was six, hit by a truck at a countryside market. Compelled to leave school after primary education due to his infirmity, Huang didn't give up on acquiring knowledge and continued learning. Obsessed with the English language, he rented or borrowed old schoolbooks and taught himself through radio programs and cassette tapes. Notwithstanding physical challenges, Huang became a lauded incapacitated bodybuilder, winning gold awards at provincial sports events. But for almost a decade, his concentration has shifted to mending shoes and fixing umbrellas on the street, a low-key but honest trade that permitted him to purchase both a car and an apartment. 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger,' Huang said. 'Many things take more effort for me, but I still have my hands—and my will.' Ridiculed by many for studying English in his free time, Huang vigorously continued with much determination and persistence. In 2024, he published a book and launched video lessons in spoken English, sharing his diligently gained methods with others. Today, he has a new goal: to be on one of the world's most respected podiums and share his narrative at Harvard University. 'If I ever get the chance, I'll speak about how an ordinary man used his hands to climb out of darkness and find a glimmer of light,' he said. 'Even if my story helps just one person, it's worth it.' His story has already caught the attention of the Harvard Alumni Association in Beijing. Xu Liang, head of the association, is initiating an event where Huang could speak to hundreds of graduates. Discussions are also in progress to see if he might one day address the university itself. 'I deeply admire his determination and his dignity in facing life's hardships,' Xu said in a video compliment. See also Marvel's first Chinese superhero Shang-Chi gets China excited Still unattached, Huang dreams not only of Harvard but of one day getting married and starting a family. 'It won't be easy,' he admits. 'But I must be strong and capable—so I can support myself and the people I love.'
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
China cobbler with no legs learns English through radio, dreams of making Harvard speech
A street cobbler in China with no legs has impressed the mainland public with his fluent English and his dream of one day delivering a speech at Harvard University. Advertisement The Huang Huaquan, 44, had his legs amputated after he was knocked down by a lorry at a rural market when he was six years old, the Beijing News reported. Huang, from a village in Heyuan, Guangdong province in the southern part of China, halted his education as a result of his condition after graduating from primary school. Seriously disabled Huang Huaquan has to use his hands to move around. Photo: bjnews He has been interested in English since childhood, and borrowed old textbooks from friends, teaching himself with the help of cassettes and radio. Huang is a former disabled weightlifting athlete and has won a gold medal, among others, at the Guangdong provincial disabled people's sports event in the past. For the past nine years, he has been earning a living repairing shoes and umbrellas on the street. He has managed to buy a car and a flat as a result. Advertisement 'What does not kill me makes me stronger. This is the perfect illustration of my life,' Huang was quoted as saying.
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Hongkongers feel tremors as magnitude 4.3 quake strikes Guangdong's Heyuan
Hongkongers reported feeling tremors as a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck about 170km (105.6 miles) north-northeast of the city on Thursday afternoon. Advertisement The Hong Kong Observatory said that it had received more than 10 reports of residents experiencing earth tremors that lasted for several seconds. The forecaster said that its initial analysis 'indicated that an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred at 1.17pm on Thursday in Heyuan, Guangdong'. It added that the quake's epicentre was about 170km north-northeast of Hong Kong. Last November, some residents also reported experiencing minor shaking following a magnitude 4.7 earthquake in Taiwan.
