ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

China's 'Calabash Grandpa' Cuts Down Gourds That Made Him Famous

other · 2026-09-08

An elderly man in China, dubbed 'Calabash Grandpa' after seven gourds growing outside his home turned him into an online celebrity, has cut down the vines. The gourds drew visitors who linked them to the beloved Chinese cartoon 'Calabash Brothers.' The man, whose identity is not disclosed, removed the plants, ending the attraction. The incident highlights the intersection of rural life, internet fame, and cultural references in contemporary China.

Key facts

  • Seven gourds growing outside an elderly man's home made him an online celebrity.
  • Visitors linked the gourds to the Chinese cartoon 'Calabash Brothers.'
  • The man, known as 'Calabash Grandpa,' has cut down the gourds.
  • The event occurred in China, as reported by Sixth Tone.
  • The gourds attracted visitors due to their resemblance to the cartoon characters.
  • The man's decision to cut the vines ended the tourist attraction.
  • The story reflects the power of internet fame in rural China.
  • The cartoon 'Calabash Brothers' is a beloved Chinese animated series.

Entities

Institutions

  • Sixth Tone

Locations

  • China

Sources