“Yang Hao embarked on a 134-day journey across China without a smartphone or internet connection, seeking to discover how life unfolds without modern digital conveniences”
In today’s world, smartphones have become essential companions, and the thought of being without one can seem unimaginable. Yang Hao, born in 1990, once felt the same way. However, he gradually realized that his phone was consuming more of his attention than he wanted. Determined to break free from this dependency, Yang made a bold decision.
He set off on a 134-day journey through various provinces in China, completely unplugged—no smartphone, no internet, and no digital devices. Yang’s journey has since sparked widespread interest. As a PhD student studying contemporary art at a university in the UK, Yang was exploring how technology influences human life. This journey was a significant part of his research.
Starting in November 2023 from his hometown in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, Yang concluded his adventure in April this year. Throughout the trip, he adhered strictly to his plan—no phone, no computer. He carried only two cameras without internet capabilities.
“Smartphones have become integral to our lives. I wanted to see how my life would change without smart devices or internet for a few months,” Yang explained.
The journey was not without its challenges. The absence of a smartphone led to frequent inconveniences. Yang couldn’t book accommodations in advance, use map apps for navigation, or hail taxis through apps. Additionally, many stores did not accept card payments, forcing him to find ATMs when he ran low on cash. These challenges pushed Yang to interact more with strangers he met along the way.
People were often shocked to learn that Yang wasn’t using a smartphone. Some even suspected he might be on the run, avoiding mobile apps out of fear.
For Yang, frequent smartphone use had become a distraction. During his journey, he found that his focus improved when reading or writing. Despite the inconveniences, he embraced them with a positive attitude, having mentally prepared for the challenges. The experience was deeply meaningful to him.
Yang plans to publish a book and create a documentary based on this journey. His story has resonated with many in China, where increasing numbers of people are acknowledging their own “addiction” to smartphones.
