A Woman in China Spent $280,000 Shopping Online – Then Rented a Flat for Her Unopened Packages

We’ve all made an online shopping purchase we didn’t need. Maybe a pair of shoes you never wore or a gadget you forgot about. But one woman in China took online shopping to a whole new level.

A 66-year-old woman from Shanghai has made headlines after it was revealed she had spent over $280,000 USD (about 2 million Chinese yuan) on online shopping. What’s more shocking? She didn’t even open most of her packages. Her purchases piled up so high that she had to rent a second apartment just to store the unopened boxes.

Let’s take a closer look at her story, what it says about our shopping habits, and how mental health may be connected.

A Home Full of Packages

The woman, known only by her surname Wang, lives in Shanghai’s Jiading district. At first glance, she appears like any ordinary retired woman. But inside her home, the situation is far from normal.

Her apartment became so full of packages that she could no longer live comfortably. In fact, she didn’t even have space to sleep. Most of the boxes were completely unopened—still in the same condition they arrived in.

Neighbors began to complain. They noticed bad smells, cockroaches, and flies coming from her unit. Community officers came to investigate and found the apartment filled wall to wall with boxes. They helped her clean it once, but soon the boxes returned.

Why Did She Do It?

When asked why she bought so many things, Wang gave two main reasons:

She loved the thrill of buying. She said she enjoyed watching livestream shopping shows and making quick purchases. She didn’t need the products—she just liked the feeling of shopping.

She wanted people to stop asking her for money. Wang said that if others saw her house full of things, they would think she was poor or struggling, and they wouldn’t ask her for loans.

These reasons may sound odd at first, but they show something deeper. Many people who shop too much or hoard items are not just being careless. They may be struggling with loneliness, anxiety, or mental health issues.

What Did She Buy?

Wang spent her money on all kinds of things. She bought cosmetics, health supplements, gold jewelry, and more. Most of her shopping happened during online livestreams, where hosts talk about products and offer deals in real time.

Livestream shopping is very popular in China. It’s fun, fast, and often full of discounts. But it can also make people spend money they don’t have—or buy things they don’t need.

Wang’s case shows how powerful these livestreams can be. She admitted she didn’t even remember everything she bought. “I just keep buying,” she said.

When Shopping Becomes a Problem

Buying things isn’t bad. We all need clothes, food, and household items. Even buying for fun is okay—if it’s within reason.

But sometimes, shopping becomes a problem behavior. Experts say that compulsive shopping or hoarding can be signs of mental health conditions. Some people shop when they feel sad, bored, or lonely. Others use shopping to escape their problems.

Over time, the behavior can grow out of control—just like in Wang’s case.

Some signs of shopping addiction include:

Buying things you don’t need

Hiding purchases from family or friends

Feeling guilty after shopping

Being unable to stop, even when you try

Hoarding is when people keep too many things and can’t throw them away. Their homes become full of items they don’t use. It can create health and safety risks.

Wang’s story may be an extreme case, but it’s not rare. Many people around the world struggle with shopping addiction and hoarding, especially after the rise of online shopping.

Reactions from the Public

Wang’s story went viral on social media in China. People were shocked—but also curious and concerned. Some users made jokes, while others showed sympathy.

“I feel sorry for her,” one commenter wrote. “She must be so lonely.”

Another person said, “This is not funny. It’s a mental health problem.”

Community officials in Shanghai said they tried to help her clean up and organize her home. They even visited her several times. But so far, the problem has not gone away.

What Can We Learn?

Wang’s situation may seem strange, but it teaches us some important lessons:

Mental health matters. If someone is buying too much, hoarding, or living in unsafe conditions, they may need help—not judgment.

Online shopping is powerful. It’s fast, fun, and easy to overdo. Companies use smart tactics to make us spend more. It’s important to be aware of how advertising affects our behavior.

We all need connection. Some experts believe Wang may be using shopping to cope with loneliness. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy for people—especially older adults—to feel isolated.

Final Thoughts

Shopping should bring joy and comfort, not stress or shame. Wang’s story is a warning—but also a chance to talk about mental health, spending habits, and the way we treat older people in society.

If you or someone you know is struggling with shopping addiction or hoarding, it’s okay to ask for help. There are professionals, hotlines, and support groups that can make a big difference.

And the next time you’re about to click “buy now,” take a moment. Do you need it? Or are you just trying to fill a space that something else might help—like a phone call, a walk, or a good conversation?