Father takes 8-year-old son on weeklong backpacking trip with only $15 to get by

The duo worked hard labour in exchange for food and lodging.
 By 
Alicia Tan
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A Chinese man wanting to teach his son about the hardships of life took the young boy for a backpacking trip with only 100 yuan ($15) to survive the week.

Pu Wei and his 8-year-old son, Dou Ge, left their home in Xi'an, China, on Thursday for a seven-day trip that would end in Lanzhou.



You May Also Like

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Eager for his son to learn the importance of being humble and kind, Pu assured Chinese media that his son was equally as enthusiastic to embark on the adventure and proved to be a great source of support during the trip.

"Dou Ge is naturally curious, and every day during this trip, whenever I see how excited he is to discover new things, it pushes me forward to go on with the trip," says Pu.

The duo traveled on foot or hitchhiked to get around, and traveled a total distance of 600 km.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

During the trip, father and son worked hard labour in return for a roof over their head. Pu said that many strangers have kindly offered them food and free rides, which he and Dou Ge gladly appreciates.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Pu updated his Weibo account on a daily basis with pictures of their father-son bonding trip. He even journaled frequently to let his followers know what they got up to and how much they spent.

According to The Paper, Pu is an outdoor enthusiast and somewhat of a celebrity in his hometown -- he's the first Chinese man from Shaanxi to have conquered Mount Everest.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable


Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


Mashable Image
Alicia Tan

Alicia Tan was an Asia Deputy Editor at Mashable. She has over 11 years of experience in journalism, magazine production and content publishing; specialising in women's lifestyle, fashion and beauty. When she's not writing, she's obsessing over Totoro, Ryan Gosling and online shopping.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

You can track Artemis II in real time as Orion flies to the moon
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman piloting the Orion spacecraft
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!