Artist pays off Rs 23 crore family debt using ancient art form he was told wouldn't work by parents

In an inspiring tale of determination and devotion, 31-year-old Chen Zhao from Wuhan, China, successfully paid off his parents’ debt of 20 million yuan (approximately Rs 23 crore or US$2.8 million) in just seven years by teaching calligraphy. His journey, which began with a deep passion for the ancient art form, has now become a trending story across Chinese social media and international headlines.

A Childhood Passion That Faced Doubt

As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chen began learning calligraphy at the age of five, quickly falling in love with the elegant strokes and discipline of the art. But despite his dedication, his parents remained doubtful. They repeatedly told him that calligraphy could never become a stable career. Their concerns intensified when Chen was selecting his university major. While his parents encouraged him to pursue a business degree, Chen remained steadfast in his choice. He enrolled in the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, where he majored in calligraphy.

After graduating in 2016, Chen chose not to join his parents’ clothing business. Instead, he opened his own calligraphy teaching studio. His first student, a left-handed primary school child, presented a significant challenge. But with effort and patience, the child eventually mastered beautiful handwriting—an early success that sparked word-of-mouth growth for Chen’s studio.

Crisis Hits Home

In 2017, he briefly worked at a calligraphy institution in France. However, later that year, he returned to China when his family’s clothing business shut down due to poor management, leaving behind a debt of Rs 23 crore. His father’s health also declined during this period, putting added emotional pressure on the young artist.

With his family in crisis, Chen expanded his studio, increased tuition fees, and began working grueling hours—teaching every day from 8 AM to 9 PM with only a short midday break. Despite hiring support staff, he remained the sole teacher, as parents and students preferred his personal instruction. According to him, “I tried to hire some teachers, but both parents and students did not recognise their teaching ability.”

Turning Art Into Enterprise

In addition to teaching, Chen launched online sales of calligraphy supplies and opened a tea room to supplement his income. Over time, student enrollment surpassed 300. His friends, however, grew concerned about his health. “We saw him drained and pale whenever we met. We begged him to ease up a little,” said a friend surnamed Liang.

Still, Chen remained focused on his mission. By September last year, he had cleared the entire debt. More than the financial victory, it was his parents’ change of heart that mattered most to him. “What made me feel happier is that my parents are supportive of my calligraphy business, acknowledging that the art can make money,” Chen said, adding, “I have no reason not to work hard now.”