Chinese Father's Courageous End-of-Life Wisdom Inspires Millions: A Lesson in Facing Mortality with Dignity

Dong advises his tearful daughter to embrace life without him with serenity and acceptance.

A terminally ill 67-year-old man in eastern China, identified by the surname Dong, has become an unexpected source of inspiration to millions through his remarkable composure when facing death, as his daughter has documented online according to South China Morning Post.

His daughter, who uses the social media name Dong Sanbai, has shared her father's extraordinary life journey. Beginning as a factory worker from humble origins, Dong dedicated himself to learning Japanese during evening hours, eventually securing admission to the prestigious Shanghai International Studies University. After working in Japan, he returned to China and established a successful clothing enterprise, which he sold at 45 to pursue his passion for traveling, as reported by Chinese media.

In February 2025, Dong began experiencing severe health complications and received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Following multiple unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, he made the decision to discontinue medical intervention.

His daughter resigned from her real estate position in August to care for him alongside her mother. Despite his physical deterioration, she notes that Dong has maintained remarkable mental resilience, continuing to guide her on accepting life's conclusion with dignity and inner peace.

Medical professionals have estimated he has less than six months remaining, yet Dong's philosophical approach and life narrative have touched millions, igniting profound discussions about mortality, illness, and existence across Chinese social media platforms.

"My father wished to maintain dignity and quality in his final days. Though we initially encouraged him to continue fighting, we ultimately chose to honor his decision," Dong Sanbai explained to SCMP.

On October 16, Sanbai shared a moving video on social media capturing an intimate conversation with her father about life, death, and releasing attachment.

Dong gently told her: "Life exists to be appreciated. When destiny indicates it's time to conclude, there's no reason to resist."

He maintained a smile throughout, displaying remarkable calmness and almost joy-like serenity.

"People believe they fear death itself. However, what truly frightens them is the dying process. Life's conclusion is entirely natural," he continued.

With tears, Sanbai responded: "I comprehend intellectually, but emotionally I cannot accept your departure."

Dong consoled her: "Don't grieve excessively. Consider me as merely embarking on a journey. As long as I remain in your heart, I will always find my way back to you."

He encouraged her to embrace life fully—to dress well, explore the world, and laugh frequently.

Dong also expressed support for his daughter's personal decision against marriage and childbearing.

"That represents a completely valid choice. Your life belongs entirely to you," he affirmed.

According to SCMP, this story has profoundly resonated throughout mainland China, accumulating over 25 million views across social media platforms. Online users have commended Dong for his exceptional courage and wisdom when confronting mortality. One commenter wrote, "Dong exemplifies a brave and wise father. Most individuals cannot face death with such composure—he fears his daughter's sorrow more than his own mortality." Another observed, "Death represents merely another journey. As long as memory persists, he lives eternally." A third added, "Respect to this open-minded father. Such an exceptional individual surely receives divine blessing."