Su Min's Journey: A Tall Tale of Liberation and Resilience

Sixty-year-old Su Min, known as China's "road-tripping auntie," fled an abusive marriage in 2020, transforming her life and inspiring millions of women through her viral video diaries. Now on the verge of divorce, she continues to embrace freedom, resilience, and self-discovery on her travels.

Sixty-year-old Su Min truly embodies the spirit of resilience as she navigates her newly found freedom through her breathtaking road trips across China. Su Min, once a dutiful wife and mother, gained prominence when she decided to escape her abusive marriage in 2020. Targeted by her husband’s violence and emotional manipulation, she embarked on a journey in her white Volkswagen hatchback, chronicling her adventures through captivating video diaries. What began as a personal escape soon resonated with millions of women feeling trapped in similar circumstances.

Fast forward to 2024, Su Min, affectionately branded the "road-tripping auntie," reflects on this transformative chapter of her life, now encapsulated in the freshly released film "Like a Rolling Stone." She recently earned a spot on the BBC's list of 100 inspiring women, a testament to her impact. "Freedom" is the word she associates with the year, emphasizing her progression through life since filing for divorce.

Su Min recounts the invigorating feeling of liberation as she struck out on her own—and her journey has stretched to 180,000 miles, traversing 20 provinces. While many family obligations kept her anchored, the encouragement she receives from her followers—often resonating with their own struggles—fuels her on the road. Her videos showcase breathtaking landscapes, intimate moments, and candid reflections of her past, sparking deep conversations among her audience.

Supportive messages flood her online platforms, amplifying her role as a beacon of hope in the Chinese community. Simplifying her experiences into bites of wisdom, Su Min tells her followers that achieving financial independence and emotional strength is paramount for women. With each shared tale, she plants seeds of inspiration and bravery in the hearts of those who feel imprisoned by societal norms.

Su Min’s story doesn’t just end in empowerment; it also compels her to confront her past traumas. She looks forward to the future—despite awaiting the finalization of her divorce—dreaming of travels beyond the Chinese borders. Although the process has proven complex, she remains hopeful and determined, emphasizing the importance of self-love, a message she wishes resonates with women across the globe.

"My journey teaches women that no matter how old you are, there is always a way forward," Su Min states confidently. As her adventures inspire countless others, the road remains endless, echoing the sentiment that true freedom comes from within.