Famous Chinese mathematician Wei Dongyi has released a workbook for primary and secondary school students, which sold out with 26,000 copies sold in just four days. As an associate professor at Peking University, Wei's venture into supplementary education has sparked criticism that he is profiting from his fame at the expense of his academic reputation. The workbooks are designed to help students prepare for mathematics exams. Wei gained instant fame in 2021 with a viral video showcasing his humble lifestyle as a mathematician.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-27,
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Story summary
Wei Dongyi, a 35-year-old associate professor at Peking University's Mathematics Department, has released a workbook for primary and secondary school students that sold out with 26,000 copies sold in just 4 days. However, this success is met with criticism that Wei is profiting from his fame rather than focusing on his academic work. The math genius gained widespread attention in 2021 after being featured in a video showcasing his unassuming lifestyle. As an alumnus of Peking University and now a teacher there, Wei's background as a mathematics prodigy from Shandong province has contributed to his public image. His decision to create workbooks is sparking concerns about whether he is using his fame for personal gain or to contribute positively to education.
Written for “China Math Workbook Success” on 2026-08-31,
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 2840 (high confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-08-27
Viral China maths genius’ new workbook sells 26,000 copies in 4 days, sparking mixed reactions
Wei’s venture into supplementary education prompts criticism that he is profiting from his fame at the expense of his academic reputation
A famous Chinese mathematician known for his dishevelled genius image recently began selling workbooks for primary and secondary school students, which were quickly sold out within days.
asserted
which → sell → days
He gained instant fame in 2021 after a vox pop on the Peking University campus.
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He → gain → campus
In the video, he appears dressed simply, carrying a 1.5-litre plastic bottle of water and a bag of steamed buns.
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he → appear → buns
In the clip, he shared that he has studied at Peking University since his bachelor’s degree and is now a teacher there.
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he → share → degree
Although he comes across as introverted, he remains unfazed, a characteristic later described by his admirers as typical of genius.
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he → come → genius
Wei’s remarkable past was uncovered by curious onlookers.
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past → uncover → onlookers
