Su Min's Journey to Liberation: A Road-Tripping Revolution for Women in China

Su Min, a 60-year-old grandmother, escapes an abusive marriage and embarks on a remarkable road trip that spans over 180,000 miles, sharing her journey on social media. Her video diaries resonate with millions of Chinese women who find solace and inspiration in her story. As she navigates the complexities of divorce and embraces her newfound freedom, Su Min represents a powerful voice for women asserting their independence and pursuing their dreams.

In 2020, Sixty-year-old Su Min embarked on a transformative journey that would captivate millions of women across China. Initially running away from an abusive marriage, she set out on the open road in her white Volkswagen hatchback, equipped with a rooftop tent and her pension. “I felt like I could finally catch my breath,” she reflects on her departure, describing the sense of survival and self-discovery that awaited her.

Over the past four years and a staggering 180,000 miles, her video diaries chronicling her adventures have gained her a devoted following, who affectionately dubbed her the "road-tripping auntie." These candid accounts reveal personal struggles and pains, which resonated deeply with a generation of women seeking empowerment. Her story took on new dimensions this September with the release of a film titled “Like a Rolling Stone” and an honored spot on BBC's list of 100 inspiring women for 2024.

For Su Min, the year 2024 embodies the concept of “freedom.” Alluding to her newfound independence, she highlights how filing for divorce from her husband marked a significant turning point. The journey to “another kind of freedom” proved arduous due to China's complex divorce laws, but her decision was resolute: “I’m saying goodbye to him.”

In this exhilarating new chapter of her life, Su Min’s social media presence thrives. She engages followers with her culinary exploits and travel documentation, taking them along to breathtaking locales from Xinjiang’s towering mountains to Yunnan's ancient towns. Her candidness has fostered a community where countless women express admiration for her bravery and shared experiences.

The feedback she receives is profound. Many women affirm that Su Min's courage makes them reassess their own circumstances. “You are a hero to thousands of women,” one follower commented, while others draw inspiration for their own journeys toward liberation. Su Min herself reflects, “Women are not just someone's wife or mother… Let's live for ourselves!”

Born in Tibet and raised in Henan, Su Min was a dutiful wife and mother for many years—enduring neglect, emotional abuse, and violence in her marriage. However, after a familial spark of inspiration in 2019, Su Min began to visualize a different life, away from the suffocating expectations imposed upon her.

Social media emerged as a vital catalyst for her escape into a more fulfilling existence, leading to her courageous departure in September 2020. Her story ignites hope in many who feel shackled by their circumstances, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, it is never too late to reinvent oneself.

Though she continues to navigate the divorce processes, her enthusiasm for life unfolds in plans for future travels, with aspirations of exploring beyond China's borders. "Love yourself,” she emphasizes, acknowledging that self-acceptance is pivotal for happiness. As a beacon of empowerment, Su Min encourages women everywhere to seek joy and independence at any stage in life, proving that freedom is a journey worth embarking on.