Father's 33-year, 500,000 km search ends in reunion

In Shanghai, Wang Chuanqiang recently reunited with his son after a 33-year search spanning 500,000 kilometers, only to discover his son lived just 30 kilometers from their old home.

On 21/4, Wang Chuanqiang met his son, Wang Guanguan, with the assistance of Shanghai police. DNA matching results from the previous day confirmed their biological relationship.

"At that moment, I just hugged my son tightly and cried, fulfilling my longing", Wang recounted.

Photo of Wang Guanguan at four years old, son of Wang Chuanqiang, who went missing 33 years ago. *Photo: Sina*

Wang Guanguan went missing on 20/4/1993 when he was just four years old. According to Wang, the boy disappeared after going out to play in the morning. For a long time, the family searched around their residential area and neighboring regions but found no trace.

Since his son's disappearance, Wang worked various odd jobs, traveling approximately 500,000 kilometers across many provinces and cities by tricycle and small truck in his search. His sole wish on this journey was to find his son.

Meanwhile, Guanguan lived in Pudong district, about 30 kilometers from his original disappearance location. Knowing he was adopted, Guanguan proactively provided a DNA sample to authorities, which led to a match with Wang's data.

"I searched everywhere for my son for 33 years but never imagined he lived only 30 kilometers from where he disappeared", Wang said.

Currently, the father awaits his son's decision regarding organizing a family recognition ceremony in their hometown of Shandong. The story of the Wang family's reunion has attracted widespread attention from China's online community.

Many families with missing children also sent their congratulations to Wang, hoping their own children would also return soon.