‘Die on the road, not in hospital’. Chinese man takes paralysed wife on epic road trip
South China Morning Post
20th August 2026
‘Die on the road, not in hospital’. Chinese man takes paralysed wife on epic road trip
Their journeys are filled with kindness from strangers, from helpful villagers after an accident to scenic staff carrying her onto rides
By Zoey Zhang
A man from eastern China has spent a decade travelling with his partially paralysed wife, claiming that life on the road has made her “100 times” more spirited.
Liu Peijin, 69, a former serviceman from Weifang in Shandong province, dedicated 18 years to the military, much of that time away from his wife, who was his primary school classmate, as reported by "Hongxing News".
As newlyweds, they dreamed of exploring China together in retirement. However, in 2010, complications from diabetes left Liu’s wife partially paralysed.
After repeated hospital stays failed to halt her decline, Liu resolved to fulfil their long-held dream.
“We would rather die on the road than in a hospital bed,” the couple agreed.
In 2014, they set off in a standard car, touring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Their daughter initially objected due to concerns for her mother’s health, but Liu soon noticed that life away from the hospital seemed to rejuvenate his wife.
He later transitioned to a campervan, equipping it with two beds, air conditioning, a sink, and a dining table.
With no sensation on the left side of her body, Liu’s wife relies on him for medication, foot soaks, and rehabilitation exercises. He keeps the vehicle well-stocked with medicines and nursing supplies.
Liu humorously remarks that he is “the driver, cook, doctor, nurse, and carer, all in one.”
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