The year China's famous road-tripping 'auntie' found freedom

Su Min, a 60-year-old grandmother from China, has become a symbol of hope and freedom for many women across the country. Her journey began in 2020 when she decided to leave her abusive husband and hit the road in her white Volkswagen hatchback, equipped with a rooftop tent and her pension. 'I felt like I could finally catch my breath,' she recalls, reflecting on the moment she drove away from her old life. Over the next four years, Su Min traveled an astonishing 180,000 miles, sharing her experiences through video diaries that resonated with millions of viewers. Her candid storytelling and adventurous spirit earned her the nickname 'road-tripping auntie,' and she has become an unexpected hero for women who feel trapped in their own lives. In September 2024, her inspiring story was adapted into a film titled 'Like a Rolling Stone,' and she was recognized by the BBC as one of the 100 inspiring women of the year. When asked to sum up her experiences in 2024, Su Min chose the word 'freedom. ' As Su Min continued her journey, she found a sense of independence that she had longed for. She recently upgraded to a new SUV and felt a renewed sense of purpose as she traveled south for the winter. However, it wasn't until 2024 that she took the significant step of filing for divorce from her husband, which she described as 'another kind of freedom. ' The divorce process in China can be quite complicated, and her husband initially refused to agree to the divorce unless she paid him a substantial sum. They eventually settled on a payment of 160,000 yuan, but Su Min is still waiting for the official divorce certificate. Despite the challenges, she remains resolute in her decision to move forward, stating, 'I'm saying goodbye to him. ' In her new life on the road, Su Min has made it a priority to focus on herself. Her video diaries primarily feature her adventures, and although she travels alone, she never feels lonely. She engages with her followers, sharing her cooking, daily activities, and future plans. Her audience accompanies her on her travels to breathtaking locations, including Xinjiang's snow-capped mountains, Yunnan's ancient river towns, and vast grasslands. Many of her followers express admiration for her bravery and envy the freedom she has embraced. They often share their own dreams of breaking free from their circumstances. One follower wrote, 'You're so brave! You chose to break free,' while another encouraged her to 'live the rest of your life well for yourself! ' Su Min's journey has inspired many women to reflect on their own lives and consider what they truly want. She emphasizes the importance of financial independence, owning a home, and cultivating friendships. Through her videos, Su Min also confronts her past and the pain she endured during her marriage. A stray cat she encounters on her travels reminds her of her own struggles, as both have weathered hardships yet continue to find joy in life. A visit to the market, where she smells chili peppers, evokes 'the smell of freedom,' as spicy food was forbidden by her husband. For years, Su Min played the role of a dutiful daughter, wife, and mother, even as she faced repeated abuse from her husband. 'I was a traditional woman and I wanted to stay in my marriage for life,' she admits. However, she eventually realized that her efforts were met with violence, emotional abuse, and gaslighting. Her husband, Du Zhoucheng, has publicly acknowledged his abusive behavior, stating, 'It's my mistake that I beat you. ' Su Min's marriage was arranged by a matchmaker, a common practice at the time, and she had hoped that love would develop after their wedding. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Although she had a daughter, which made her feel obligated to endure the abuse, she later recognized that her child would benefit more from a mother who stood up for herself. Su Min's journey to freedom was sparked by a video she saw in 2019 about someone living in a van and traveling. This inspired her to take action, and in September 2020, she left her marital home and embarked on a journey through 20 provinces and over 400 cities in China. Her story has resonated deeply with women who feel trapped in their own lives, and she encourages them to live for themselves. 'We women are not just someone's wife or mother… Let's live for ourselves! ' she urges. Many of her followers share their own struggles and express gratitude for her inspiration. Su Min's journey serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to change your life and pursue your dreams, regardless of age.