Zhao Shuo is one of China’s most well-known cycling vloggers, not only for his adventurous solo tours across the country, but more importantly, for his endearing travel companion: Wukong the cat. But the sudden death of this internet-famous feline has since struck Chinese social media with grief.
The 31-year-old began posting videos of his cycling journeys in July 2023 on platforms like Douyin, Bilibili and Xiaohongshu (RedNote).
In October 2024, during a trip through Kanas, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhao had a life-changing encounter. While camping, he was woken up by a shivering yellow-and-white stray kitten. He adopted the cat and named it Wukong, after the legendary Monkey King from the literary classic Journey to the West, hoping the kitten would have 72 lives just like its namesake. The duo’s adventures, under the hashtag “me and my cat,” turned both into internet sensations.
A compelling storyteller, Zhao’s vlogs not only showcased stunning scenery but also shared insights into local geography, history and culture. Zhao has gained 4.49 million followers on Douyin, with his videos amassing 34 million likes.
But their heartwarming story came to a sudden end on April 15, when Wukong was found dead by the side of a highway near Yuli County in Xinjiang. There were no signs of a traffic accident. Countless netizens shared their condolences, while others raised suspicions about the cause of death. Some accused Zhao of negligence.
On May 4, Zhao posted a video revealing new details about Wukong’s death. After consulting with three veterinary hospitals, Zhao confirmed on May 9 that Wukong died from complications after eating a small rodent. He apologized for not being vigilant enough as Wukong’s caretaker. His Xiaohongshu account is closed as of time of publication.
Wukong’s passing has prompted widespread reflection on the value of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones, whether human or animal.
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