After upgrading to a more spacious electric vehicle, Yin decides to forgo renting a flat, saving 2,500 yuan (US$350) a month on rent
A 38-year-old programmer working in Beijing, who spends weekdays sleeping in his car and returns to his home in nearby Tianjin every Friday, has gained significant attention on mainland social media.
The man, known as Yin, typically departs from Tianjin at 5.30am on Monday, driving 130km along the highway to reach his workplace in Beijing. He returns home after finishing work on Friday afternoons.
Yin has maintained this lifestyle for nearly three years, having switched to a more spacious electric vehicle in the latter half of 2022. Before this, he rented a flat in Beijing for 2,500 yuan (US$350) per month, as reported by the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald.
His wife and two sons live in Tianjin. Yin explained that he needs to work in Beijing because job opportunities for programmers are limited in Tianjin.
“I have been living in my car for the past three years. As long as your car is spacious enough and you can easily find charging stations, the experience is no worse than staying in a hotel,” Yin stated.
He often parks in a nearby park and wakes up at 6.30am each day, taking a stroll around the park before preparing his breakfast in the car using a small electric cooker.
“My leisure activities after work include watching TV, singing karaoke, and calling my family. Sometimes, I write programmes. I don’t have other hobbies like playing computer games. I usually go to bed around 10 or 11pm,” Yin shared.
“Except for the inconvenience of finding a toilet, everything is fine,” he added.
During the summer, he showers daily using a water tank in his vehicle, while in colder months, he travels home by train on Wednesday evenings and returns to Beijing on Thursday mornings, skipping showers on some days.
Yin mentioned that living in his car significantly reduces his expenses compared to renting a room. The monthly tolls for the expressway amount to 400 yuan (US$55), while his electricity costs for charging the car are under 300 yuan monthly. If he needs to return home midweek, train tickets cost around 100 yuan.
“I enjoy camping and often take my family on car trips where we also sleep in the car,” Yin said.
“Isn’t it relaxing to sleep in the car while listening to birds sing and the gentle flow of streams? I don’t mind others’ opinions; I’m committed to the lifestyle I prefer,” he added.
Yin’s story has sparked lively discussions on Chinese social media.
“This diligent and frugal man, who works hard for his family, deserves our respect,” remarked one user.
Conversely, another individual commented: “I would be distraught waking up in such a cramped space.”
