that begins at 5 am. He leaves his home at 5:20 am, riding an electric bike for 30 minutes to reach the train station. By 6:15 am, he is on a train headed to Qingdao, a city located in the eastern part of Shandong province. After arriving in Qingdao at 7:46 am, he takes a 15-minute subway ride to his office, allowing him just enough time to have breakfast in his company’s canteen before starting work at 9 am.
The return journey is equally demanding, taking Lin another three to four hours to travel the 160 kilometres back home. Despite the grueling commute, Lin remains positive, stating that it is all worth it “because of love.” He explained that he and his wife had been in a relationship for seven years before getting married in May of this year. They decided to buy a flat in Weifang, where his wife is from, to provide her with a sense of security.
Previously, Lin lived in a rented flat an hour away from his workplace, but he chose to move to Weifang to spend more time with his wife. He acknowledged that the cost of living in Qingdao is higher, making their current arrangement more feasible financially. Lin also credits the convenience of intercity transport for making the commute manageable, and he appreciates his manager’s understanding, as he is not expected to work overtime.
Lin’s story has resonated with many social media users, who have expressed admiration for his commitment. One commenter remarked, “Six hours a day. He must love his wife very much.” Another person noted that such long commutes are not uncommon, especially for people working in Beijing who travel from nearby cities like Tianjin or Hebei. Questions about Lin’s income and how he manages such a lifestyle also surfaced, highlighting the curiosity and concern his story has sparked.
However, Lin’s long commute is only a temporary solution. His wife is currently seeking employment in Qingdao, and the couple plans to relocate there permanently if she secures a job. This future move would alleviate the need for Lin’s extensive daily travel and allow the couple to build their life together in one city.
MUST READ: Massive Fires Engulf Two Oil Tankers Near Singapore, Prompting Extensive Rescue Operations