18th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) A well-known social media influencer in China, known as “Chaoshan Ah Qiu,” recently experienced the theft of his bicycle during his trip to Hong Kong. With a substantial following of over 1.09 million on Douyin, Ah Qiu was cycling when the incident occurred on the fifth day of his journey. The unfortunate event took place near a railing located opposite the Tai Hei Mahjong Gaming House Company, situated at 100, Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok.
Following the theft, a 45-year-old suspect was arrested. However, despite the arrest, Ah Qiu’s bicycle was not able to be retrieved as it is suspected to have been sold. Nevertheless, what garnered much attention among netizens and locals was Ah Qiu’s apparent physical transformation. Several individuals mistook him for a man in his 50s, despite Ah Qiu being only 31 years old.
Ah Qiu has documented his cycling journey over the years, and those who have followed him from the start can attest to the fact that he appeared his age back in 2019, which was only four years ago. For those who have recently started following him on Douyin, a Chinese social media platform equivalent to TikTok, many have raised doubts regarding whether the Ah Qiu cycling now is the same person who began his journey four years ago.
Ah Qiu was forced to “produce” his identification in one of his Douyin posts to prove to netizens that he was indeed born in 1992.
Reports emerged last week that the Hong Kong police have managed to track down the individual who stole Ah Qiu’s bike. The thief confessed to stealing and selling Ah Qiu’s bicycle. As of now, the police are still attempting to locate the buyer.
However, despite these developments, Ah Qiu has remained mum on what has caused his obvious ageing process despite his intense physical activity over the years. Many netizens have developed their own theories as to why Ah Qiu appears to have “aged” four years beyond his actual age. Some individuals believe that the lack of sun protection during his cycling trips may have been the cause. Others suggest that Ah Qiu aged quickly in just a few years due to constant exposure to harsh winds, sunlight, and unpredictable weather. It is worth noting that Ah Qiu has been cycling for three years in different states in China, which include Fujian, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Henan, Anhui, Guangdong, and Hainan.
Despite his apparent changes, Ah Qiu remains committed to cycling around the world, as evident from his Douyin account.