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Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China – For more than two decades, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, infamous as a suicide hotspot, has had a tireless, volunteer guardian: Chen Si. Known locally as the “Angel of Nanjing,” Chen has dedicated nearly every weekend and holiday since the year 2000 to patrolling the bridge, offering compassion and intervention to those standing on the brink.

Chen Si’s extraordinary mission began with a pivotal moment in 2000 when he successfully persuaded a young woman on the edge of the bridge not to jump. Recognizing a profound need, he committed himself to a one-man rescue operation that has since saved hundreds of lives. By 2021, his documented rescues surpassed 412, and as of mid-2024, that number has grown to an estimated 469 people.

Empathy Over Expertise

Without any formal training in psychology, Chen relies entirely on empathy, patience, and compassion. He rides his motorbike or walks the length of the bridge, keenly watching for telltale signs of despair—a person lingering too long at the railing, walking aimlessly, or showing visible signs of distress.

Once he identifies someone in crisis, Chen starts a conversation, offering a non-judgmental ear to listen to their struggles. His own background as a poor migrant laborer allows him to connect deeply with those he rescues, many of whom are weighed down by crippling debt, family pressures, or profound loneliness.

His support often goes beyond conversation; he has been known to provide food, money for bus tickets home, and, when necessary, direct physical intervention to pull a person back from the railing.

A Vital Presence on a Tragic Landmark

The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, completed in 1968, has tragically recorded thousands of suicide attempts over its history, making Chen Si’s singular effort an essential public service.

Chen acknowledges the heavy emotional toll of his work and the heartbreak of not being able to save everyone. However, he maintains his commitment, driven by the belief that giving even one person another chance at life makes his decades-long, personal sacrifice worthwhile. His quiet dedication continues to stand as a powerful testament to the impact a single individual can have in the face of widespread despair.