The school hosted more than 780 people who were caught in a snowstorm. [Photo for China Daily]
Social media used
Local resident Wang Yang posted a message on WeChat Moments, stating: "Due to the blizzard, the hotels are full. My family can provide a free room suitable for a family of three. The address is…"
When Wang's post reached Xu Weiming, who comes from Shiyan, Hubei province, and was stranded on the snowy streets of Guazhou, Xu hesitantly called Wang. To his surprise, Wang invited him and his group to his home.
Xu said: "We were provided with the master bedroom, fresh bed linen, slippers, toiletries and hot tea. Later, seven more guests arrived. Despite the lack of space, Wang managed to accommodate them as well."
Wang said: "It's not easy when you're away from home. As residents of Guazhou, we are willing to do whatever we can. It was like having 11 relatives over for the holiday."
Next morning, Wang and his wife prepared breakfast for their 11 guests, who laughed and chatted together before leaving in the afternoon.
Wan Youhui, a Guazhou native, was preparing to drive to Xinjiang on Feb 17, but was advised to turn back at the expressway exit when he noticed many travelers were stranded.
Wan, who runs his own media account, said, "I quickly realized that they might need a place to stay overnight."
After immediately spreading this news online and calling local residents for help, Wan triggered an overwhelming response. A video produced by Wan attracted 783 comments, with many people, including hotel owners, offering help in finding free shelter and food.
Wan and his colleagues acted as intermediaries — connecting stranded travelers with locals offering shelter, and updating information on government relocation sites.
In a second video, Wan expressed his gratitude to local people and businesses. Many stranded travelers left comments, with one stating: "Guazhou is the most kindhearted city I have experienced. Within a radius of 200 km, no hotel rooms were available, but a kind person knocked on our car window late at night and asked if our family of five needed a place to stay."
