Yunnan boy seen in viral video traced, is unharmed

Authorities in Yunnan province said a 3-year-old boy seen crawling naked in a viral online video is in stable health and living safely with his parents, following an investigation that found no evidence of abuse, trafficking, or illegal profit-making, according to a Yunnan Daily report on Tuesday.

The boy, nicknamed "Pingping" was filmed on Oct 15 crawling unclothed at a highway service area in Shimian county, Sichuan province, while he was with his parents on a family road trip.

The footage triggered heated public discussion, with some netizens speculating about possible child abuse or trafficking.

In response, local authorities in Yunnan's Nanjian county, Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, where the family resides, launched an investigation the following day along with provincial-level officials. The team found the family in Sichuan on Oct 18 and persuaded them to return home to Nanjian county on Oct 21.

Medical professionals conducted physical and psychological assessments of the family, confirming that both children were unharmed.

Pingping has since adapted well to daily routines, according to a local caregiver who has accompanied him since mid-October. Videos from a nearby kindergarten show him playing and laughing with other children, Yunnan Daily reported.

Officials also verified that Pingping and his younger brother are the biological children of their parents, surnamed Li and Wan.

Li, the father, explained that Pingping had eczema and sometimes disliked wearing clothes in warm weather, adding that the boy's crawling behavior was a playful imitation of the family's pet dog, according to Yunnan Daily.

The newspaper also reported that Li's relatives and several villagers said the couple have a close and caring relationship with their children and that there has never been any violence or abuse.

"Our houses are less than 30 meters apart — I can hear the chickens at their home, but I've never heard them scolding or beating the children," said one villager.

Members of the joint investigation team said that based on police inquiries, witness statements, medical assessments, and daily behavioral observations, there was no evidence indicating that Li or Wan had abused their children.

Local authorities have also established a dedicated family education and volunteer support team to provide ongoing guidance and assistance to the couple.

"This situation developed beyond what we ever expected," Li said. "I want to sincerely apologize to everyone who has shown concern — netizens, government departments, and the public."

He added that over the past few years, their unconventional parenting approach had unintentionally affected how their child interacts with society.

"We are now helping him develop better habits, such as dressing and walking properly, to prepare him for school. We'll do our best to ensure he receives a good education," he said.

Local officials said they will continue to strengthen child protection work, improve coordination mechanisms for safeguarding minors, promote a culture of care and respect for children, and enhance family education guidance to ensure minors grow up healthy under both legal and emotional protection.

zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn