Alone, but not lonely

In 2015, Zhang posted his tale of mountain life online and the story drew more than 100,000 readers in a day. The story was later reposted by more than 800 social media accounts, which made him an online celebrity.

Many living in the city expressed admiration for his choice of lifestyle, and some asked him about where they could find a similar place for themselves.

"Places like mine are plentiful across the country," Zhang says. "If you walk two hours into the depths of the Qinling Mountains, you'll find many vacant spaces in rural areas."

Zhang does warn his followers that life is not all sweetness and roses on the mountain. With the self-sufficient lifestyle, very basic amenities and deep solitude are among the many challenges facing someone used to urban life.

His peers have all married and have children, but he is still on his own.

Zhang doesn't consider himself a recluse or a monk. "I have friends over on weekends," he says.

Most of his friends are poets, artists and exhibition planners, who will come up the mountain from time to time to chat and have tea and barbecue with Zhang.

Writing has become a hobby.

"I didn't want to write at the beginning, but found it was an expression, like all the other artistic creations," he says. "When you are depressed and need a friend to talk to, writing is an outlet."

In his book, Seven Years on a Mountain, that was published early this year, he shared his good and bad daily moments, anecdotes of his experiences in the wilderness, as well as happy get-togethers with friends and his artistic inspiration.

The book has sold much better than its publishing editor Li Jiaojiao expected. She believes its popularity represents a social mentality that many urban residents hanker for life away from the city and suburbia.

At the beginning of his mountain life, some skeptics said that he would leave after the novelty wore off.

"It's my home and my daily life," Zhang says.

When asked about his plan after the 20-year lease is up, Zhang says he just wants to live every moment to the fullest.

His mind is busy, on what kind of beans he'd like to grow this year or how to rid his dogs of their fleas. He also felt that his yard may be a bit bigger than needed and has begun looking to see if he can move deeper to the wilder area of the mountain.