For most people, a car is simply a means to get from point A to point B. But for Yin, a 38-year-old programmer working in Beijing, it’s something far more personal, it’s home.
Photo via SCMP
For nearly three years now, Yin has been living out of his car while juggling a full-time tech job in China’s bustling capital. During the weekdays, he parks in quiet corners of the city to rest, relax, and recharge both himself and his vehicle. On weekends, he drives back to Tianjin to be with his wife and two young sons.
Why choose the car life? Simple: freedom and finances.
Yin used to rent a modest apartment in Beijing for around 2,500 yuan (RM1,480) a month. But the rising cost of living and his love for minimalism sparked a bold decision—to ditch rent entirely and turn his car into a mobile studio apartment. In 2022, he upgraded to a larger electric vehicle and got to work outfitting it with everything he needed: a foldable bed, a karaoke setup, a small kitchen, and of course, a TV for his nightly shows.
Photo via SCMP
Now, his monthly costs have plummeted. Highway tolls run him about 400 yuan (RM236), and charging his EV costs less than 300 yuan (RM177). Not bad for a guy living in one of China’s most expensive cities.
And he isn’t just surviving, he’s thriving. From karaoke sessions to video calls with his family, Yin has built a life that feels just right. He even describes it as being “no worse than staying in a hotel.”
He still works in Beijing out of necessity, given the limited tech job market in Tianjin, but he doesn’t feel tied down. In fact, he often takes his family on weekend camping trips where the car becomes their shared sleeping space.
Critics? Yin brushes them off, “I’m not bothered by what people think. I’m happy with the life I’ve chosen,” he says.
In a world chasing bigger homes and higher rent, Yin’s story is a reminder that sometimes, all you need is four wheels, a charger, and a little imagination to call a place your own.
