Life as a human punch bag

Updated: 2014-11-25 06:50

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Xie Shuiping had no idea of his commercial value until discovering, by chance, that his abdomen could withstand punches from challengers.

The man, who has practiced kung fu since childhood, left his birthplace in Anlu, a village in Central China's Hubei province for Guangdong to seek his fortune 15 years ago. He did construction work during the early years and made a meager living.

After realizing he could earn money by letting people punch him in the stomach, his life changed. He can now earn more than 200,000 yuan ($32,250) a year by being a human punch bag.

With cash flowing in, he found it difficult to earn respect and understanding from others including his wife and daughter. Most people thought being a punch bag humbled him, but Xie says he plans to continue receiving blows.

Xie Shuiping smokes a water pipe as he enjoys a rare moment of leisure at his elder brother’s home in Anlu, Central China’s Hubei province. It is the first time he has returned to his birthplace, 15 years after leaving for South China’s Guangdong province. [Photo/qq.com]