On New Year's Eve in Zhangjiang, Pudong, the Li family home was filled with laughter and the aroma of a festive meal. Li Xiang, a 22-year-old Special Olympics champion, cooked the reunion dinner alongside his family. Skilled at rolling dough and making dumplings, Li Xiang worked methodically. "I learned this at school," he said, "and I want to make it for my family myself."
Reporters visiting this "National Civilized Family" experienced the Lunar New Year atmosphere in the champion's home and listened to the extraordinary high-speed life of this household.
Li Xiang's father, Li Hui, works in Jiaxing. The family had just returned to their Pudong home a few days before the holiday. Immediately upon returning, Li Xiang helped clean the entire house until it sparkled.
Greeting visitors at the door, Li Xiang wore a red T-shirt that highlighted his innocent face. When asked about New Year gifts, he proudly showed off a dragon-head ring on his index finger. "My mother bought this for me and wrapped red thread around it. I wear it always because I love dragons—they're brave and powerful. I hope to become a true dragon head myself, to protect my family."
This year marks the zodiac year of Li Xiang's mother, Yang Jianying. "Li Xiang is very thoughtful," she shared. "He remembered it's my zodiac year and used his pocket money to buy me a peace pendant at a charity market. He put it on me for the New Year, saying it symbolizes peace and smooth sailing." She wore traditional festive clothing and the pendant, her face radiant with happiness.
This small gift reminded Yang of the winter of 2003, when her son was first diagnosed with Down syndrome. She had locked herself in her room for a full month, unable to accept fate's decree. "I kept asking, why me?" Yang recalled softly. "Later, I realized—if heaven gave me this child, it must be because I'm strong enough to handle this responsibility."
The couple named their son Li Xiang, meaning "to hold onto ideals even when life is bumpy." A quiet battle with destiny had begun.
"Sports gave me endless strength," Li Xiang explained. "Gymnastics brought me confidence and happiness, and speed skating made me feel like I was flying. I hope everyone can love Special Olympics sports, so the world can see us!" Medals shone on the wall in the afternoon sun: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze in gymnastics at the 2015 Los Angeles Special Olympics; bronze in speed skating at the 2017 Austria Winter Special Olympics; 2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze in gymnastics at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Special Olympics; and gold in roller skating at the 2025 National Special Olympics. Each medal tells a story.
The growth journey of a "Tang baby" is challenging. Skills like standing and speaking that come easily to most children required immense repetition and effort. A horizontal bar installed in the hallway at home showed how Li's parents acted as his "training partners," breaking down coach's instructions into simple steps for him to practice repeatedly until he mastered each move.
When asked if training was hard, Li Xiang immediately shook his head. But his mother showed photos of his swollen, deformed ankles during roller skating practice. "Last year, as captain, Li Xiang led Shanghai's Special Olympics roller skating team to the National Games. Despite poor health and unprecedented pressure, he insisted on competing and won gold," Yang said. That night, he developed a fever and was diagnosed with influenza. "Compared to his motivation to compete and win, physical pain means little to him," she added.
Last year, the family shared their story at a Pudong spiritual civilization event. When Li Xiang appeared dressed as Nezha and shouted "I control my own destiny, not heaven!", the audience erupted in applause, many wiping away tears.
What struck reporters most about the Li family was not just the champion's achievements, but the deep affection and warm kindness binding them together.
For New Year wishes, Li Xiang excitedly described plans to visit Changbai Mountain. A devoted fan of the novel "The Grave Robbers' Chronicles," he displayed the full book series on his shelf. He had created a scrapbook with his own illustrations of bronze trees, ghost seals, and ancient towers, plus hand-drawn tomb-raiding route maps from the story. Enthusiastically, he even demonstrated sword moves with a replica of the protagonist's black-gold ancient blade.
"Whatever my brother does, he does with full focus," said younger brother Li Yang with admiration. "He researched extensively—when to visit to see the mountain lake, which routes hit filming locations from the story. He's very professional." Unlike his outgoing brother, Li Yang is reserved but equally ambitious. Asked about his New Year wish, he said seriously: "I want to continue volunteering as a young guide at the China Art Museum, sharing Chinese stories with more people."
Li Yang's desire to help others was inspired by his brother. As a child, attending inclusive activities at Li Xiang's school, he once told his mother: "Seeing them is like seeing my brother. I want to help them." Now a young guide in Pudong, Li Yang volunteers on weekends and holidays. His clear goal for the new year is to continue spreading warmth and influencing others through action.
Father Li Hui, listening quietly, summarized his wish simply: "My only wish is to keep being your solid support. You charge ahead—Dad will always have your back." This Shanghai man supports his family in the most genuine way, serving as their steadfast anchor.
As the family's backbone, mother Yang Jianying not only cares for her household but also serves as vice chair of the Pudong Intellectual Disability and Relatives Association and a Special Olympics East Asia family leader. She often uses spare time to volunteer for special needs families and advocate for their rights. "I hope more 'Tang babies' receive societal care and better growth opportunities. For the new year, I just wish for our family's health and togetherness."