Tian Juntao (Photo/0573Ren.com)

A 29-year-old PhD student from Tongji University recently became an internet sensation after his touching story was posted on social media.

A message posted on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, said the considerate young man helps his parents, both of whom are sanitation workers, clean streets in the early morning during summer vacation in a bid to relieve their pressure.

Tian Juntao was recently admitted to a PhD program at Tongji University. His parents moved to Jiaxing in eastern China's Zhejiang province from their hometown in Henan province about five or six years ago to work as sanitation workers in order to pay for his education.

A number of people praised Tian for his action, saying he has set a good example for young people, because he knows to be grateful to the love and care given by his parents.

Tian Juntao's mother (Photo/Nanhu Evening News)

A netizen commented that it is estimable for him to swallow his pride and clean streets for his parents, saying he has purified not only the roads, but also people's hearts.

However, some doubted his action, saying he should not have gone for doctoral degree, as his family is still living in poverty. They believe he should go to work to relieve the family's economic burden.

But this point of view has also been refuted by a number of people who insisted that it is not easy for someone to be admitted to a PhD program. They said to deprive his right of choice because of his family situation is unfair.

Tian responded by saying that he has done what a son should do, and it has nothing to do with himself. In addition, he noted that sanitation workers deserve people's respect, and he is willing to clean streets.