April 17, 2026 • By Childing Team
Li Ziqi: A Modern Story of Filial Love and Devotion
Li Ziqi, born in July 1990 in a rural area of Sichuan, China, has captured the hearts of millions across the globe with her beautifully crafted videos. Through intricate, hand-made meals, clothing, and traditional crafts, her work represents much more than just a rural lifestyle—it is a breathtaking testament to filial piety, specifically her profound devotion to her grandmother.
Overcoming Early Hardship
Li Ziqi’s childhood was marked by deep struggles. Her father passed away when she was only four years old, leaving her orphaned at a very young age. After facing mistreatment from her stepmother, Li moved in with her loving grandparents. Unfortunately, hardship struck again when her grandfather passed away while she was in the fifth grade. Unable to afford her continued education, her grandmother could not stop 14-year-old Li from making the difficult decision to drop out of school and seek work in the city.
For the next several years, Li took on numerous jobs to survive, working as a waitress, a disc jockey, and even a singer. But despite the promises of opportunity in the city, her heart remained in the peaceful countryside with the woman who had nurtured her.
Returning Home to Honor Family
In 2012, Li Ziqi's grandmother fell ill. For Li, it was a pivotal turning point.
There is a profound and ancient Chinese proverb:
子欲养而亲不待 (zǐ yù yǎng ér qīn bú dài)
This ancient phrase translates to: "The child wishes to care for their parents, but they are no longer there." It expresses a universal Chinese belief that the greatest regret in a person's life is realizing you want to care for your parents, but it is already too late.
Refusing to ever carry this regret, Li Ziqi decided, without hesitation, to leave the city and return to her farming village. She moved back so she could personally be there for the grandmother who had taken her in as a child.
An Everyday Expression of Filial Piety
Li Ziqi's deep love for her grandma is not just spoken—it is woven into her everyday actions. Her filial love is expressed in the deliberate, caring way she prepares homemade food, sews traditional clothes, crafts sturdy shoes, and weaves warm quilts for her.
These acts of service are small but immensely powerful:
- When a meal is ready, she always serves her granny first.
- If a peach is perfectly ripe, she peels the skin to ensure her granny can enjoy it comfortably.
- Even when eating shrimp, Li takes the time to peel off the shell and serve the meat to her grandmother directly.
- Before going to bed, she honors her elder by washing her granny's feet, an ancient and deeply respectful tradition.
Through her beautiful work, Li Ziqi reminds us all of the profound joy and responsibility of caring for our elders. Her life is a living embodiment of honoring family, making sure that every day counts.
Watch Her Devotion
If you are inspired by this story, here are some examples of her filial actions from her videos: