China’s ‘Ice Boy’ Is Amazed After Experiencing Central Heating For The First Time

Wang Fuman became a mini-celebrity overnight after the picture of his frozen hair went viral around the world. But his story revealed a sad reality as the eight-year-old has to walk more than four kilometres in -9C temperatures to get to school every day.

After becoming an internet sensation, the kid told Chinese media that he was keen to go to the capital to see how students live.

According to Medium, his wish was granted and he was whisked off to Beijing, which was the first time he had ever left his village.

During his time in the busy capital, he got to visit the People's Public Security University of China as he wants to become a police officer when he grows up. He was able to meet with instructors who gave him a tip or two about how to follow that dream.

While life in Beijing is obviously very different to his small village, there was one thing that genuinely baffled the kid: central heating.

Wang told a press conference: "It's very cold at home, but very warm in Beijing. At home, we have to burn charcoal at night for warmth. In Beijing, the rooms are so warm   I only need to wear one layer of clothing. This is the first time I've come across heating, it really is a miracle."

The student was interested to see whether other kids in the capital have to walk as far as he did to school every day. (Hint: that's a big ol' no.)

He also said he was overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that came after his photos went viral. China Ntional Radio says 300,000 yuan (£33,690/$46,638) was raised by the public in just five days.

The broadcaster revealed that the eight-year-old had only received 8,000 yuan (£898/$1,243) of that total amount - with the rest of the cash spread out to other kids in the region so that they can benefit from Wang's fame.

Despite this, the young student said: "I'm very grateful for all of your support. When I grow up, I will pay you all back."

He lives with his sister and grandma in a small hut in rural Yunnan. His mum reportedly has left the family and his dad only visits once or twice a year as he's a migrant worker. But ever since the 'Ice Boy' pictures circulated the internet, his dad reportedly was able to move back home after scoring a job close by.

Sources: Medium, China National Radio

Featured Image Credit: AsiaWire

Topics: World News, Frozen hair, Community, China

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie