Mirroring Tom Hanks’ character in The Terminal, this man has been residing in an airport for a staggering 14 years. Wei Jianguo has called the Beijing Airport home ever since he had a falling out with his family. He said that his family had told him to quit smoking and drinking, which he refused, leading him to leave home and live on his monthly government allowance.
Wei moved to the airport in 2008. He has settled at Terminal 2’s waiting area, setting up his belongings, sleeping bag and food there, although he sometimes relocated to Terminal 3 if he wishes so. The airport staff recognize his presence, some have even encouraged him to leave although eventually they let him be as long as he doesn’t disrupt other passengers.
Wei is not alone in his airport-dwelling lifestyle. In 2018, as many as six people were thought to be living like him at the airport.