South China Morning Post
19th October 2023
China’s ‘folded boy’ takes fresh step closer to standing up straight after high-risk surgery succeeds in ‘unfolding’ body
A courageous student, known across China as the “folded boy”, due to a debilitating spinal condition is continuing to inspire millions of people nationwide.
Jiang Yanchen, 19, suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, and a recent round of surgery which straightened his body from a 180 to 90-degree fold marks a fresh milestone on the road to recovery.
Since his primary school years Jiang has battled congenital muscular dystrophy, which twisted his upper body into a Z shape, leaving barely a hands width between his head and buttocks and forcing him to study while kneeling in class.
However, he never lost his determination or hope.
In 2022, Jiang took his high school entrance exam while lying on a yoga mat and secured admission to Dezhou University in his hometown, Shandong province in eastern China.
His resilience has not only fuelled inspiration online but also led him to life-changing medical interventions.