Changsha man travels six countries after four failed civil service exams

A man from Changsha, Hunan, has gained widespread attention online after deciding to travel through six countries following four consecutive failed attempts at the civil service examination. The individual, identified as Xiang Yiding, spent approximately 22,000 yuan on a journey starting from Xinjiang that included Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Xiang described the mental toll of years of intensive preparation, noting that his life had become consumed by repetitive study and memorization. The story gained significant traction due to a social media comment from his mother, who wrote, “I will bear the burden so you can see the world,” expressing her support for his decision to take a break.

The incident has sparked a debate on Chinese social media regarding the pressures of competitive examinations, the concept of ‘living off parents,’ and the value of mental health breaks versus continued academic persistence. Xiang indicated that he intends to resume his preparations for the civil service exams once he has adjusted his mental state.