appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Fran Lu

Famous Chinese genius Liu Zhiyu may only be 35, but his breadth of experience far outstrips that of people much older.
Over an 18-year period the mathematics mastermind went to China’s most prestigious university, became a Buddhist monk then a psychologist and online influencer with 255,000 Douyin followers.
In addition, he is a husband dedicated to teaching people how to “be happy”.
In his latest autobiography, published in 2023, Liu wrote: “Mathematics led me towards Taoism. Taoism led me towards Buddhism. Buddhism led me towards psychology. They all led me towards the vast universe.”

Liu summarised his short but colourful existence in the following way: “At every turn of my life, I had to leave behind past glories, but I gained precious life experience.”
Liu was admitted to Peking University without taking exams, after he won a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2006.
A bright future awaited and when he decided to give up a full scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2010 and became a monk at Beijing’s Longquan Temple, people, including his parents, expressed disbelief.
More doubts emerged when Liu decided to leave the temple in 2018 and resumed a secular life in 2022. His back-and-forth decisions went against modern Chinese values which focus on stability and prosperity.

Liu said his life philosophy was deeply influenced by the ancient Taoist philosophy of Zhuang Zi, who believed that all life follows its own natural course and there is no good or evil.
He wrote that Taoism has guided him even when he was studying mathematics, letting him forget success or failure and focus on the process of solving problems.
Liu said he also has possessed the trait of sympathy.
This once pushed him to sacrifice his own needs to fulfil the expectations of other people, from his parents and school teachers to the temple’s abbot and seniors.
For three years while living as a monk, Liu dedicated 12 hours a day to the compilation of a classic Buddhist book series, and ran the Longquan Temple’s official social media accounts.

He said he was worn out by the work, and it made him realise his interest was in communication with people and their happiness.
Now, as the co-founder of a psychological counselling company, Liu offers services six hours a week. He used his own experience to serve people who were anxious about their studies and work.
Last year, Liu announced his marriage to the only woman he had ever dated. He said his wife taught him how to take care of himself.


How China imperial exam leaves historical footprint and impact on gaokao, modern education

China woman dances with eye patch and mask after losing partial jaw, vision in one eye to cancer

China pancake seller in US plans to run for mayor, generating buzz despite thorny past

Wife of China motorcycle tycoon becomes loyalty symbol after handwritten account book goes viral

Trending in China

The many faces of China maths genius Liu Zhiyu, 35, monk, husband, businessman, thinker

At just 35, Chinese mathematics genius Liu Zhiyu has packed more into his existence on the planet than most people do in a lifetime.The Post charts his amazing journey. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/neweekly.com.cn


Liu tells his amazing story in his inspirational autobiography which came out last year. Photo: Weixin

 Liu displays levels of energy and enthusiasm that most people can only dream of. Photo: Weixin

In his time as a Buddhist monk Liu compiled a book series and ran social media accounts. Photo: Sohu

‘Terrible’: Japan studio slated for ‘daddy’s little bride’ Father’s Day photo shoots

A photo studio in Japan has found itself in hot water for encouraging young girls to dress up in wedding dresses and pose as “daddy’s little bride”. Photo: SCMP composite/happilyphoto.jp

The studio said it wanted to create memories which had the father as the main focus. Photo: Weixin.qq/happilyphoto.jp

The idea has been criticised online for sending “inappropriate” messages to children about romantic relationships. Photo: Weixin.qq/happilyphoto.jp

Malaysian employers lock Indonesian maid on exposed balcony, only allowed inside to work

An Indonesian maid in Malaysia who was forced to live on an exposed balcony had to be rescued after she threw an SOS note down onto the street. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Royal Malaysia Police

Police intervened after the domestic helper threw a note off the balcony. Photo: Royal Malaysian Police

The latest case of abuse has been described as an example of modern-day slavery. Photo: Dickson Lee 

Mother of Singapore boy, who died after school run collapse donates organs to fulfil his ‘greatest dream’

The mother of a 14-year-old Singapore boy who died after collapsing during a school sports run has donated his organs to save others, saying it is what her son would have wanted. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Zaobao.com


Lu Xuanzheng’s biggest wish in life was to help others and his grieving mother made it come true. Photo: Zaobao.com

Lu’s mother said she struggled with the decision but was moved by those waiting for transplant. Photo: Shutterstock

Singapore boy, 14, develops bodybuilding passion which helps him cope with dyslexia, boosts confidence

A 14-year-old dyslexic boy in Singapore has impressed social media with his impressive workout regime, and his physique. Photo: SCMP composite/Instagram

Teenager Lee says his intense workout regime has helped him with his studies. Photo: Instagram

The youngster with his coach who says social media influence is driving young men to the gym. Photo: Instagram

Zhang Lei, China parkour expert and Donnie Yen stunt double, dead at 39 from heart attack

Zhang Lei, stunt double for renowned China actor Donnie Yen and parkour pioneer, has died at 39 from a heart attack. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Douyin

Zhang Lei once said he loved the “pounding in his heart” that parkour gave him. Photo: Douyin

Zhang appeared in many movies and television series as a daring stunt double. Photo: Douyin

News

People & Culture

China Personalities

Mathematics genius packs more into 35 years than most do in a lifetime, but he is still searching for answers


To say that legendary Chinese mathematics genius Liu Zhiyu, 35, has led a full life is a vast understatement. The Post charts his incredible achievements.


Icons and Influencers

Provide background, description and detail of a specific individual or entity, helping the reader understand more about their life, work and interests.


Profile

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Mathematics genius packs more into 35 years than most do in a lifetime, but he is still searching for answers

Mathematics genius packs more into 35 years than most do in a lifetime, but he is still searching for answers