In brief
Su Min, a 60-year-old Chinese grandmother, escaped her abusive marriage in 2020, embarking on a journey that has inspired countless women who feel trapped. Through her videos, she shares her adventures and the empowerment she's found on the road, marking 2024 as the year of her freedom, with a poignant realization that self-love and independence can lead to a fulfilling life.
In 2020, Su Min, a 60-year-old grandmother, captured the attention of millions of Chinese women as she embarked on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Seeking to escape her abusive husband, she set off in her white Volkswagen hatchback, equipped with a rooftop tent and her pension. Reflecting on her departure, she recalled the moment she felt free: "I felt like I could survive and find a way of life that I wanted."Over four years and 180,000 miles, she documented her experiences, amassing a huge online following. Affectionately dubbed the "road-tripping auntie," Su Min became an inadvertent feminist icon, resonating with women who felt trapped in their own lives. Her inspiring story has also been turned into a film, "Like a Rolling Stone," which debuted in September, and she is one of the BBC's 100 inspiring women for 2024. When asked to describe the significance of this year, she simply replied, "freedom."In a phone interview with the BBC from Shenyang, Su Min shared that driving away granted her an immediate sense of freedom; however, it was in 2024, when she filed for divorce, that she found a deeper liberation. The process was complex—her husband insisted on financial compensation before agreeing to the divorce—and they settled on 160,000 yuan ($21,900). Despite awaiting the divorce certificate, she's committed to moving forward: "I'm saying goodbye to him."Now, her life on the road serves her own needs. She connects with her followers through her videos, detailing her journey and the breathtaking destinations she visits—from Xinjiang's mountains to Yunnan's rivers—while encouraging them to embrace their own independence. Her openness regarding past struggles and current triumphs has sparked a supportive community where followers share their own dilemmas and aspirations for freedom.Su Min's compelling narrative illustrates her transformation from a traditional woman constrained by familial duties—having endured abuse and emotional turmoil—to a vibrant individual reclaiming her life. Her marriage had been arranged by a matchmaker, and after years of suffering, she realized she wanted more than what the relationship could offer, especially as a mother and grandmother.The inspiration to leave came after watching a van life video in 2019. Ignoring pandemic restrictions, she set off in September 2020 and traveled through more than 20 Chinese provinces. Now, her online community serves as a testament to her positive impact, providing solace and encouragement to women dreaming of breaking free from oppressive environments.As she navigates her new life, Su Min rarely looks back, embodying resilience and independence. Despite challenges, such as finalizing her divorce and overcoming financial obstacles, she continues to inspire others to prioritize their happiness and self-love. "You must be good to yourself," she advises. "Learn to love yourself, because only when you love yourself can the world be full of sunshine."
