In a world where most people strive for bigger and better living spaces, there’s one man in China who has decided to go against the tide. Zhang Yunlai, a 41-year-old programmer from Yangjiang in Guangdong Province, has been living in the back of his electric car for the past four years.
What makes this story even more fascinating is the fact that he owns a spacious four-storey house in his hometown. However, Zhang has opted to forgo the luxury of his large home in favor of a minimalist, unconventional lifestyle. He believes that this way of living brings him more freedom and comfort than any traditional living arrangement could.
In a society where many people are driven by materialistic pursuits, Zhang’s choice to live in his car stands out as an example of an alternative way of life that is about simplicity and liberation rather than financial struggle. The 400-square-meter house in Yangjiang is well-suited for his needs, but Zhang’s reasons for opting to live in his car are not related to any financial hardship.
Instead, he appreciates the freedom it offers. His story challenges conventional notions of what it means to live comfortably, and it’s a testament to the idea that happiness and contentment don’t always come from material wealth or a grandiose living space.
The Catalyst: A Transformative Experience
Zhang Yunlai’s unusual lifestyle began about four years ago when he went on a camping trip in a park. At that time, he was living in a rented flat in Shenzhen, paying around 2,500 yuan (roughly Rs 29,000) per month for rent.
Like most people, Zhang Yunlai followed the traditional path—working hard during the weekdays and commuting between his apartment and the office. Yet, his camping trip was the turning point. He experienced an epiphany that completely altered his perspective on living conditions and personal freedom.
It was during this trip that Zhang Yunlai had the idea to sleep in his car. He was surprised by how comfortable and peaceful the experience was, despite the seemingly modest setting. He had noticed that the back seat of his car was spacious enough to accommodate a mattress, which sparked the idea of transitioning to car living.
The ease and serenity he felt during the camping trip, coupled with the realization that he didn’t need to live in a traditional house to be happy, pushed him to take the leap.
Read : 27-year-old Chinese Student Living in Japan Rescued From Mount Fuji Twice in One Week
Zhang Yunlai’s decision to buy an electric car and transform it into his home on wheels was not motivated by financial instability. Rather, he found that the sense of independence and simplicity offered by living in his car was far more attractive than any amount of space in a traditional house.
Read : The Woman With “world’s biggest cheeks” Is Now Looking For Boyfriend
The spacious, four-storey home he owned no longer seemed necessary, especially when he realized that living in his car gave him a sense of freedom he had never experienced before.
A Day in the Life: The Routine of Living in a Car
Zhang’s daily life is remarkably simple and well-structured. His routine is centered around comfort and convenience, a stark contrast to the busy, hectic lifestyles of many city dwellers. Despite not having a traditional home, Zhang Yunlai has found ways to meet his basic needs without the burden of maintaining a large household.
He gets ready for the day by taking a shower at the gym, and he eats his meals at the company cafeteria. After work, Zhang drives to a peaceful park where he sleeps in his car, enjoying the tranquility of nature.
One of the key aspects that makes Zhang Yunlai’s car living situation comfortable is the presence of an air conditioner. He admits that the car’s AC system is one of the reasons he chose to live in it, as it provides a level of comfort that surpasses what many traditional homes offer.
When it comes to washing up, Zhang Yunlai uses the “five-star” public restrooms available at the park, which he claims are well-maintained and ideal for his needs. He’s able to maintain his hygiene without the hassle of a full-scale bathroom, further simplifying his lifestyle.
Zhang’s car-living arrangement has also allowed him to enjoy a level of peace that he didn’t experience when living in a rented flat. He no longer has to deal with noisy neighbors, maintenance issues, or the daily grind of commuting from a distant suburb. Instead, his life is centered around the freedom to choose where to sleep, where to eat, and how to spend his free time.
The cost of Zhang’s lifestyle is surprisingly low. On average, he spends about 100 yuan (US$14) a day on meals and other expenses. His parking fees are minimal as well, with nightly parking costing only 6 yuan (8 US cents). Office parking is an additional 20 yuan, which Zhang views as a small price to pay for the comfort and freedom he enjoys.
Compared to the cost of renting a traditional apartment, Zhang’s lifestyle is incredibly economical. However, his decision to live in his car is not driven by financial constraints—he could easily afford the rent for a larger home. For Zhang, it’s about choosing a way of life that brings him peace and comfort.
The Philosophy Behind Zhang’s Unconventional Choice
At its core, Zhang Yunlai’s decision to live in his car is not just about saving money or avoiding the responsibilities of homeownership. It is about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes personal freedom and simplicity. In a society where the pursuit of material wealth often dictates people’s choices, Zhang’s story offers an alternative perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Zhang values the freedom his car-living arrangement provides. He no longer feels the need to own a large house, as the simplicity of his current situation suits him perfectly. The park environment offers him a sense of tranquility that he finds far more appealing than the noise and clutter of city life.
For Zhang Yunlai, the peace and solitude he experiences each day allow him to recharge and focus on what truly matters. Moreover, Zhang’s story also highlights the increasing trend of people reevaluating their relationship with material possessions.
In a world where consumers are constantly encouraged to buy bigger houses, faster cars, and more possessions, Zhang’s minimalist lifestyle serves as a reminder that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from accumulating wealth. It can come from finding contentment in less, choosing experiences over possessions, and redefining success on one’s own terms.
Living in a car, despite owning a large home, may seem unusual to most people, but for Zhang Yunlai, it is the perfect choice. His unconventional way of life serves as a reminder that personal happiness is not determined by the size of one’s house or the amount of money they have, but by the freedom to live life on their own terms. In a world that often measures success by external factors, Zhang’s decision to live simply and freely demonstrates that true contentment comes from within.