Jiang Yanchen, a 21-year-old from Dezhou, Shandong province, China, has captured the hearts of millions with his extraordinary journey of resilience and determination. Known as China’s “folded boy” due to a severe spinal deformity caused by ankylosing spondylitis, Jiang underwent four high-risk surgeries over two years to correct a 180-degree backward bend in his spine. His story is one of medical triumph, unyielding perseverance, and the power of human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. On August 25, 2025, Jiang took his first upright steps during a livestream, marking a historic milestone as the world’s first successful 180-degree spinal orthopedic correction.
A Life Shaped by Ankylosing Spondylitis
Jiang Yanchen’s battle with ankylosing spondylitis began in his early childhood. Diagnosed at the age of two, he exhibited symptoms such as walking on his toes without his heels touching the ground and an inability to squat independently. A tendon lengthening procedure was performed, but it was only the beginning of a far more complex challenge.
Ankylosing spondylitis, a rare form of inflammatory arthritis, causes severe inflammation in the spine’s joints and ligaments, often leading to pain, stiffness, and, in severe cases like Jiang’s, extreme spinal curvature. Over time, his condition worsened, causing his neck to bend backward uncontrollably, eventually folding his body into a Z-shape. By junior high school, his head was nearly touching his hips, with only a palm’s width of space between them.
This extreme reverse folding of his spine compressed his chest and abdominal cavities, severely restricting his organs’ space and function. His lung capacity was reduced to just 20% of a healthy adult’s, leading to respiratory failure and dangerously low blood oxygen levels, which put him at constant risk of brain edema or coma.
Basic tasks such as walking, eating, and breathing became excruciating, and his height was limited to approximately one meter in his natural position. Despite these physical limitations, Jiang adapted to his condition, learning to perform daily tasks like dressing and brushing his teeth independently. His mother, Yu Meiying, quit her teaching job to become his full-time caregiver, providing unwavering support as his condition deteriorated.
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Jiang’s condition was not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating. He was forced to kneel or lie prone during classes, and his mobility was severely restricted, often requiring a wheelchair. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken. He refused to let his condition define him, focusing instead on his education and future aspirations. His determination to live a fulfilling life despite his physical constraints became a beacon of inspiration, earning him the nickname “folded boy” as his story spread across Chinese social media.
Academic Resilience Amid Physical Challenges
Despite the immense challenges posed by his condition, Jiang Yanchen’s commitment to his education never wavered. His academic journey is a testament to his extraordinary resilience. In 2022, while lying face down on a yoga mat, he completed China’s highly competitive national college entrance exam, a feat that stunned his teachers and peers. His perseverance paid off when he was admitted to Dezhou University to study Energy and Power Engineering, where he excelled, achieving the highest mathematics score in his class.
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This accomplishment was particularly remarkable given the physical pain and limitations he endured daily. Jiang’s academic success was not just a personal victory but a source of hope for his family. His mother’s decision to share his story online played a crucial role in raising awareness about his condition and connecting him with medical professionals who could help.
These posts caught the attention of Dr. Wang Yu, a respected orthopedic surgeon at Peking University Hospital, who recognized the complexity of Jiang’s case and referred him to Dr. Liang Yijian, a leading expert in severe spinal deformities at Chengdu BOE Hospital. Jiang’s determination to pursue his education while battling a life-threatening condition inspired millions, turning him into a symbol of resilience in China and beyond.
His academic pursuits were not without significant obstacles. Studying while lying prone or kneeling required immense mental fortitude, as did managing the chronic pain that accompanied his condition. Jiang himself remarked, “If I give up on myself, I’ll be a useless person even after I get cured.” This mindset drove him to push through the pain and maintain his focus on his studies, even as his physical condition worsened. His ability to adapt to his circumstances and continue striving for his goals underscores the strength of his character and his refusal to surrender to his condition.
A Groundbreaking Medical Journey
Jiang Yanchen’s medical journey began in earnest in May 2023, when he underwent the first of four high-risk surgeries to correct his spinal deformity. The complexity of his case was unprecedented, described by Dr. Liang Yijian as “the ceiling of surgical difficulty.” Jiang’s spine, bent backward at a 180-degree angle, required a multi-stage surgical plan that involved breaking and realigning his cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and hip bones.
Each procedure carried significant risks, including paralysis, major bleeding, respiratory failure, and even death. Adding to the challenge was Jiang’s low bone density, comparable to that of a typical 60-year-old woman, which increased the likelihood of complications. The first surgery, performed in May 2023, reduced the spinal curvature from 180 degrees to 90 degrees, allowing Jiang to sit upright and see people in his line of sight for the first time in years.
However, the procedure was grueling, and Jiang woke up in intense pain, barely able to move. His nerves, accustomed to his folded posture, struggled to adapt to the new spinal alignment, raising concerns about potential nerve damage. Despite these challenges, Jiang’s recovery was remarkable, and he pushed through an intensive rehabilitation regimen of over six hours daily, demonstrating perseverance that Dr. Liang described as “far greater than that of an ordinary human being.”
Three subsequent surgeries followed, with the final procedure completed on June 25, 2025. These operations, conducted between December 2024 and June 2025, corrected approximately 170 degrees of spinal curvature, enabling Jiang to stand upright for the first time in his life. The final surgery, which lasted over 12 hours, required Dr. Liang to kneel to adjust Jiang’s posture precisely, a moment captured in a viral video that moved viewers worldwide.
The surgical team prepared for numerous potential emergencies, including anesthesia complications and circulatory failure, but Jiang’s resilience and the team’s expertise led to a successful outcome. The surgeries not only straightened Jiang’s spine but also restored his heart and lung functions, alleviating the respiratory issues that had plagued him. On August 25, 2025, Jiang took his first upright steps during a livestream, a moment that brought millions to tears.
He was discharged from Chengdu BOE Hospital shortly after, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Dr. Liang emphasized the broader significance of the surgeries, noting that they provide a reproducible diagnosis and treatment path for similar cases worldwide. The medical team is compiling clinical data to share through international medical journals, hoping to advance the treatment of severe spinal deformities.
Jiang’s transformation is nothing short of miraculous. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “All the pain is worth it when I see myself more like an ordinary person. I feel reborn.” As he prepares to return to Dezhou University in September 2025, Jiang is already planning to pursue postgraduate studies, with a goal of enrolling in a university in Chengdu, where his life-changing journey began. His dream of walking independently to see pandas during a follow-up medical visit next year reflects his newfound hope and optimism.
Jiang Yanchen’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the advancements in medical science. His journey from a life constrained by a debilitating condition to standing tall after four groundbreaking surgeries is an inspiration to millions. As he steps into this new phase of life, Jiang continues to embody hope, determination, and the belief that no obstacle is too great to overcome.