Yichang vlogger takes pics of rural seniors in the mountains

By Shen Yuan, Yichang International Communication Studio

Wang Fan, a young vlogger from Yichang, likes to take photos of old people in remote mountain areas in his spare time.

 

Wang is a young vlogger from Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County of Yichang. He accidentally started this service in 2020 when he was out walking in the hills. On the bend of a path he came across an old man and took a picture for him. 

 

The photo was later posted on Douyin and received many warm comments. One person commented, “Wouldn’t it be great if the photo could be developed and given to the person?"

 

The next day Wang sent the photo to that old man. A new service was born. Since then, he has continued to take pictures of old people in the hills and mountains in his area. Wang sends the photos to them free of charge.

 

After taking a photo, he is often invited for a meal. Some people even try to pay him for the photos, but he always refuses. "What these elderly people need most of all is just the chance to have a chat with someone. They feel less lonely if they have a chance to converse," Wang said.

 

To publicize the situation of elderly people living in remote mountain areas, he posts these experiences on Tik Tok. More and more followers have asked him to visit the relatives they miss.

 

"When people watch my videos, they recall spending time with their families. I hope they’ll be able to come back home more often," he said. 

 

In May 2021, Wang received thanks from some followers for recording the last image of their father, a cucumber vendor he took a photo of in 2020.