In Huainan, a city in China’s Anhui Province, a 70-year-old man has become something of a local legend — not for wealth or status, but for his compassion. Known affectionately as the “righteous beggar,” Xie Haishun spent more than two decades begging on the streets to raise and care for eight abandoned children. His selfless actions have touched the hearts of many in the region and beyond.
Recently, a short video titled “Xie the Fool” began circulating online, drawing emotional reactions from viewers. Despite the nickname, people now see Xie not as foolish but as a man of remarkable character.
A chance encounter leads to a powerful story
The documentary was created by Wang Qiyuan and his friend Shen Qiao, both college students at Nanguang College of Communication University of China. Wang shared that the project began unexpectedly during a casual conversation with Shen, a native of Huainan. Shen mentioned the story of the “righteous beggar,” and Wang was immediately intrigued.
On July 25, the two friends traveled to Xie’s humble home on the outskirts of Huainan. What they found shocked them. Xie’s house was bare and crumbling — far more impoverished than they had imagined.
Raising abandoned children through begging
Shen revealed that Xie, whose real name is Xie Haishun, is now 71 years old. In his youth, he attended university, but a traumatic experience affected his mental health, leading to unusual behavior. Locals once mocked him, calling him “Xie the Fool,” and kept their distance. But he never responded with anger.
Instead, over the past 20 years, Xie used the small amount of money he earned from begging to take in and raise eight abandoned children. Many of them are now grown and have families of their own. Shen recalled hearing stories about Xie’s kindness since childhood.
“I remember seeing him near the commercial center when I was in fourth grade,” Shen said. “People would crowd around him and put large bills — 10, even 50 yuan — into his bowl, even though there were other beggars nearby. I asked my mom why everyone gave money to him. She told me Xie was a good man who had raised eight abandoned children, and the people of Huainan deeply respected him for it.”
Xie’s dedication didn’t stop there. Years ago, while saving two young people from drowning, he was hit by a car. The accident left him permanently disabled in his left leg.
Even in poverty, he insists on integrity
Before he began begging, Xie had worked in a coal mine and made hand-carved stamps to support himself. When the students visited his home, they noticed he had no valuables — just a few broken bricks in the yard and simple furniture inside. The most treasured items were silver medals awarded to him as one of the “most inspiring figures” during disaster relief efforts.
Despite his modest surroundings, Xie welcomed the students warmly. They watched as he gently helped his disabled wife sit down and fed one of his adopted sons, who also has a disability. These small daily gestures left a deep impression on the young filmmakers.
They also learned that Xie had strict principles when it came to begging. He never took more than he needed. If someone gave too much, he would politely decline the offer. “Everyone works hard for their money,” he said. “If I earn just a little bit each day, that’s already enough.” When he had a good day, he would even perform somersaults on the street as a sign of gratitude.
Xie traveled into the city by bus every day. Conductors never charged him for the ride, and passengers often handed him small donations, to which he always responded with heartfelt thanks.
A moment that moved the filmmakers to tears
Wang Qiyuan said the two days they spent filming were filled with touching moments. “It was extremely hot, and Xie was out begging under the scorching sun, using phrases he’d taught himself in three different dialects to communicate with passersby. A kindhearted owner of a drink shop gave him a cold beverage. Xie opened it, but instead of drinking it himself, he handed it to me. I was so moved — it was clear he thought of others before himself.”
As they prepared to say goodbye and return to Nanjing, Xie pressed a crumpled 100-yuan bill into Wang’s hand. “You’ve worked so hard filming — take this and buy something to eat on the road,” he said.
Wang and Shen refused, insisting that Xie keep it for his family. “That moment will stay with me forever,” Wang said. “A hundred yuan is a lot for him — it might take several days of begging to save that much. Yet he offered it to us without hesitation.”
Editing the film through tears
Back in Nanjing, Wang spent five days editing the footage. “When I finished the first cut, I cried,” he said. “His kindness and persistence touched me deeply. I cried every time I worked on it.”
After uploading the video to a local website, he was surprised by the overwhelming response. “We just wanted to share Xie’s story and hopefully inspire more people to help this kind and selfless man,” Wang said.
Translated article
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