Chinese tech billionaire and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma was recently seen riding a bicycle through the streets of Hangzhou, drawing widespread attention after a local woman filmed the moment. The clip has since gone viral across social media platforms, prompting a wave of admiration and speculation over Ma’s humble appearance and lack of visible security.
The video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Dott. Orikron, captured Ma pedalling calmly along a street in Hangzhou. The brief exchange between Ma and the woman filming occurred in Chinese. Ma, dressed simply and without any visible entourage or bodyguards, appeared relaxed and unbothered by the attention.
In a caption accompanying the post, Dott. Orikron drew a historical parallel: “Jack Ma was spotted riding his bicycle in Hangzhou. Although he has retained his position as CEO, his story reminds me of China's Last Emperor, who was pardoned after the revolution (despite collaborating with the Japanese) and became a simple gardener."
The post has amassed millions of views and attracted a flurry of comments, particularly from international users struck by the billionaire's unassuming behaviour.
One commenter remarked, “A simple gardener with billions in the bank — is China so safe that billionaires like him don’t need bodyguards?” Another reflected on Ma’s symbolic value, saying, “He’s an example of what China could have been. But I have doubts that he is a genius who did it all without government support.”
Some reactions were more personal and humorous. “He looks and acts exactly like my father-in-law. They could play golf together,” one user quipped. Others appreciated his humility, with a user noting, “Simplicity at its peak.” Another added, “Jack is still productive and influential in his domain of expertise.”
Ma, one of the most recognisable faces in China’s tech industry, co-founded Alibaba Group in 1999. Under his leadership, the company became one of the world’s most prominent e-commerce giants. He stepped down as executive chairman in 2019 and later spent roughly a year abroad amid speculation about his relationship with Chinese authorities.
In 2023, Ma quietly returned to China around the time Alibaba unveiled a sweeping plan to restructure into six separate entities. However, that restructuring now appears uncertain, following the company’s decision to shelve the IPOs of its Cainiao logistics arm and cloud computing unit.
Though no longer in an official leadership role, Ma continues to be seen as a major figure in China’s technology ecosystem. According to Forbes, his estimated net worth currently stands at $26.5 billion.
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