Meet Chen Si—Man Who Stopped 469 People from Jumping Off Nanjing’s Suicide Bridge

Chen Si, a 56-year-old logistics worker, is known by many as the “Angel of Nanjing.” For the past 21 years, he has made it his mission to patrol the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge—the site of one of the world’s highest suicide rates.

Decked in a red uniform bearing the slogan “cherish life every day,” Chen completes ten rounds of the bridge daily, watching for those whose demeanor suggests they may be in crisis. When he spots someone lingering or pacing in despair, he approaches, talks them down, and, when necessary, physically pulls them back from the ledge. To date, he has intervened in 469 potential suicides.

Chen Shi’s Journey from Ordinary to Extraordinary

Chen’s journey began in 2000, prompted by a chance encounter with a distressed woman on the bridge.

His spontaneous decision to share a meal and send her home safely made him realize the power of a simple connection. Since 2003, he’s made weekends a mission—riding his scooter across the bridge, looking out for anyone in despair. What began as a lone gesture eventually became a quiet vigil grounded in empathy.

Reading the Unspoken

Chen has honed a rare sensitivity. He believes those in the grip of suicidal thoughts exhibit heavy, aimless movement. “People with an extreme internal struggle don’t have relaxed body movements,” he says. Over time, this intuition has become a cornerstone of his ability to help.

Some encounters require conversation; others demand faster, physical action. The emotional load is heavy, and after particularly harrowing rescues, Chen retreats to a temple to unburden and reset.

Beyond the Bridge: Ongoing Support

Chen’s work doesn’t end once someone steps away from the railing. He has turned two rooms in his office into temporary shelters for those he rescues, lending a safe overnight place to decompress.

With counseling, food, and follow-up phone calls—even help negotiating debts—Chen’s support helps prevent repeated attempts, showing compassion extends well beyond the bridge itself.

Silent Hero in a Changing Society

The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge spans one of China’s busiest traffic arteries—but it’s also become a symbol of societal pressure, grief, and hopelessness.

Studies have traced increasing mental health stress across China due to rapid social shifts. In this environment, Chen’s work shines as a vital, human-centered intervention—especially where institutional safety nets fall short.

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