Zhang Shengwu, a 60-year-old farmer from Maanshan, Anhui province, has stunned many by single-handedly building a functional submarine named Big Black Fish.
His journey from carpentry and welding to crafting underwater vessels reflects a story of persistence, innovation, and grassroots engineering in rural China.
Early Inspiration and First Attempt
Zhang’s fascination with invention began in childhood. His experience in carpentry, welding, and shipping fueled his confidence. After watching a TV program in 2014 about someone building a submarine, he was inspired to try it himself. Despite financial concerns and skepticism from family, Zhang built his first 6-meter-long submarine in six months with just 5,000 yuan. Though it leaked underwater, it earned him a national utility model patent.
Innovation and Ambition Take Shape
Zhang didn’t stop at his first success. In 2016, he built a wave-minimizing surface vessel, which also earned a patent. His most ambitious work came later — a 7-meter, 5-ton submarine capable of diving to 8 meters and carrying two people. Costing over 40,000 yuan, the Big Black Fish featured advanced features like ballast tanks and watertight sealing for better stability and safety.
Zhang Shengwu’s story is a remarkable example of self-taught innovation. From his village workshop, he turned a dream into a reality, proving that with determination and creativity, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved. His journey continues, as he now dreams of building an even larger, fully functional submarine — diving deeper into the possibilities of human potential.
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Source: CHINA DAILY
