09/05/2025
🥰🥰
Xing Xing's story
Xing Xing is a female Tibetan macaque whose life journey—from suffering to sanctuary—has touched millions across China. Her name means “Star Star” in Chinese, and it reflects the light she’s brought to many lives. She lost her left arm as a young monkey after getting caught in a wild boar trap. Following this traumatic injury, she was sold by a hunter and ended up in the hands of villagers who used her for entertainment. At one point, she was even displayed in a restaurant before being abandoned due to the cost of feeding her.
Eventually, Xing Xing found her way to Yanghu Temple in Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province. There, an elderly Buddhist nun—affectionately known as Grandma Ye—took her in with open arms. Xing Xing arrived in poor health, injured from the chain collar she had been wearing and showing signs of neglect. She was pregnant at the time, but sadly lost her baby due to the harsh winter conditions. Despite all she’d endured, she slowly began to heal—physically and emotionally—under the gentle care of the temple residents.
Over the next 15+ years, Xing Xing became a part of the temple family. She formed a deep and affectionate bond with her caretakers, especially Grandma Ye. Her personality blossomed: she learned to peel sunflower seeds, drink from a straw, and even showed signs of emotional intelligence and trust. Videos of her calm demeanor, kind eyes, and graceful manner went viral online, turning her into an internet sensation across China. Visitors began traveling from far and wide just to see the gentle, one-armed monkey who had captured their hearts.
However, her fame has brought some challenges. Experts have warned that overfeeding by well-meaning visitors could affect her health, and there are concerns about the stress caused by constant attention. Though domesticated in some ways, Xing Xing remains a wild animal at heart—something she reminded everyone of when she once bit Grandma Ye after a misunderstanding involving food. This incident highlighted the need to treat even beloved animals with respect for their boundaries and instincts.
In the end, Xing Xing’s story is one of survival, healing, and the power of compassion. From a life of injury and exploitation, she found peace in a Buddhist temple and became a quiet symbol of resilience. Her gentle presence continues to inspire those who meet her or see her story online, reminding us of the importance of kindness—not just toward each other, but to all living beings.
