Suzhou barber Yang Xiulan pays it forward with 5 yuan haircuts

In the bustling Lumu Market of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, Yang Xiulan starts her day in a modest corner shop. At 62, she's developed a reputation for offering haircuts at just 5 yuan ($0.72).

Shop signs line the market on Yuanhe Street, but her shop remains unannounced. Despite this, she never lacks customers. She draws business thanks to her guarantee: "If I say 5 yuan, it's 5 yuan."

Behind this promise lies a story of kindness. In 1998, after being laid off from the Wuxian Cotton Mill, Yang rented a small, converted kitchen space. Business was slow, and she often worried about rent. Yet, her landlord never pressured her, always saying, "Pay when you can." This generosity left a lasting impression on her.

For over two decades, she paid that kindness forward by keeping her prices unchanged, understanding that her clients—mostly seniors and workers—appreciate the savings.

Yang always refuses their offers of extra money or gifts. "I treat others as I've been treated," she says.

Today, Yang remains dedicated to her craft. The kindness she received as a young apprentice has grown into a legacy of generosity and compassion, making her a beloved figure in her neighborhood.