Viral Chinese fashion influencer 'Trendy Grandpa' passes away in sleep aged 88

(Photo: CCTV News)

(ECNS) -- Chinese fashion influencer known online as "Trendy Grandpa," who won millions of followers by challenging stereotypes about aging with his stylish outfits and upbeat approach to life, has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88.

His family announced his death in a post on Douyin, a Chinese short-video platform, on Wednesday. According to the post, the elderly influencer died in early September. In accordance with his wishes, his family said they had arranged a simple funeral.

"My story with you has come to an end, but please keep writing your own life stories," he said in his final message to his online followers.

His account, which has 5.787 million followers and more than 130 million likes, rose to prominence in 2020, when the then 83-year-old Grandpa Kang went viral for his impeccable, fashion-forward style. Sporting stylish hats, sunglasses and carefully coordinated outfits in his videos, he quickly earned a reputation as China's "coolest grandpa."

But his appeal went far beyond fashion. Videos featuring him and his grandson resonated with millions of viewers, offering warmth and inspiration through his core philosophy: never let age dictate how you live.

Before becoming an internet celebrity, Grandpa Kang worked as a lecturer in communications technology at a university in Wuhan, spending more than four decades in education. Far from the stereotype of a reserved engineering scholar, he had always paid close attention to his appearance and personal style.

"The way you dress shows your respect for others and, more importantly, your attitude toward life," he once said.

For the veteran educator, short-video platforms provided a new way to share his life lessons and spread positivity, while also helping him discover new sources of joy and purpose in his later years.

In May 2025, he revealed in an emotional video that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Undaunted by the illness, he vowed to make the most of every day he had left.

"I will dress well and admire the beauty of the world as long as I can move. I don't want to have regrets, nor do I want to disappear suddenly from everyone's world," he said at the time.

During his cancer treatment, Grandpa Kang documented his journey in a series of videos. He also shared candid advice and words of encouragement with fellow patients facing illness, urging them to persevere through difficult times.

"If you cannot eat much, eat what you love. If you feel exhausted, rest well. Let's get through this tough time together," he said.

Throughout his later years, he often spoke about what he believed was one of the greatest fears facing older people: losing their sense of self-worth. He hoped his positive outlook and approach to life could inspire others.

"I want my spirit to reach more people, helping them walk out of despair and embrace hope," he once wrote.

Following his death, tributes poured in online, with many netizens recalling the philosophy he shared throughout his life: "It is not age, but mindset, that limits a person's life."

(By Zhang Dongfang)