Shen Wei chats with by-passers. Photo courtesy to Red Star News

Shen Wei, a vagrant in Shanghai, has become online celebrity after videos showing his eloquent commentary on Chinese classics went viral on Chinese social media.

His “master is wandering” explanation of Chinese classics to by-passers has gained more than 250 million views on video-sharing platform Douyin, where people gather to listen to his interpretations on The Commentary of Zuo, a Chinese narrative history commentary on the book of Spring and Autumn Annals.

Beside Shen’s commentary, his focus on reducing litter and recycling, his endurance, and his life of wandering for 26 years have also aroused netizens’ curiosity. Some followers even respect him as a recycling pioneer.

His peaceful life has been completely turned upside down as visitors flock to his temporary residence to film and photograph him.

But among the countless people who are in awe of him by his eruditeness and eco-friendly way of living, there are no shortage of opportunists who are trying to take advantage of Shen’s fame for their own interests.

In an interview with Red Star News, the special celebrity said he has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He follows the example of Gandhi and thus lives a thrifty and independent life.

Shen also revealed that his Confucian ideal is to serve the nation like all well-educated men should do, claiming that he ended up on the street due to “conceptual conflicts.”

“I still don’t know why my colleagues and family disapprove of my lifestyle. I was isolated not because of madness, but because of disagreement,” Shen told Wenzhou Morning Post.

However, Shen’s former work place, the audit office of Shanghai Xuhui District, denied Shen’s accusation, saying that he was not driven away as he said. In fact, Shen is still receiving a monthly payment of 2,000 yuan ($297) from the audit office despite the long sick leave. It is unknown whether Shen has a mental illness nor did the office reveal the reason of Shen’s sick leave, according to Red Star News.