Bao Xishun is a Chinese herdsman from Inner Mongolia who was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest living man from 2005 to 2009. Measured at 236.1 centimetres, he later became known for helping veterinarians remove plastic from two dolphins and for appearances connected with his record.
Background
Bao Xishun was born on November 2, 1951, in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, then part of the People's Republic of China. He reported that his height was ordinary during childhood before a rapid growth spurt began at about sixteen. His parents and siblings were of average height, while his adult height eventually required specially made clothing, shoes, and furniture.
He grew up in a rural grassland environment and worked as a farmer and herdsman. Rheumatism affected his mobility and was associated in contemporary accounts with years of sleeping outdoors without adequate protection from the weather. His unusual height later brought both difficulties in earning a living and public attention.
Education
Bao completed approximately six years of primary education before returning to rural work. No university or college education is documented.
Career
Bao worked as a farmer and herdsman in Inner Mongolia after leaving school. During the early 1970s, he served for three years in the People's Liberation Army and played basketball for a military unit in the Shenyang area. The People's Liberation Army was the armed force of the People's Republic of China, and its regional sports units provided organized athletic opportunities for servicemen. Rheumatism affected Bao's ability to continue playing and contributed to his discharge.
After returning to Inner Mongolia, Bao resumed rural work. In September 2004, he accepted a short-term position greeting customers and distributing publicity materials for a restaurant in Chifeng; the appearance brought him local media attention. The restaurant work helped introduce him to the public before Guinness World Records measured him at 236.1 centimetres in 2005 and recognized him as the world's tallest living man.
Bao held the record from 2005 until 2009. In December 2006, veterinarians at Royal Jidi Ocean World in Fushun asked him to help two dolphins that had swallowed pieces of plastic from the edge of their pool. Using his approximately 1.06-metre arms, he removed the plastic from their stomachs after conventional attempts had failed.
Bao later appeared as a pit-stop greeter in the television program The Amazing Race 16. The appearance was broadcast in 2010, when Bao was still widely known as the former record holder for the world's tallest living man.
Achievements
Guinness World Records measured Bao at 236.1 centimetres in 2005 and recognized him as the world's tallest living man, a title he held from 2005 until 2009.
In December 2006, Bao helped save two dolphins at an aquarium in Fushun by removing pieces of swallowed plastic with his unusually long arms after other removal attempts had failed.
Personality
Guinness World Records described Bao as shy in his early life and noted that he gradually became more comfortable with public appearances after his record recognition. He also expressed a wish to live more normally despite the public attention associated with his height.
Physical Characteristics:
Bao was measured by Guinness World Records at 236.1 centimetres (7 feet 8.9 inches) in 2005. His arms measured approximately 1.06 metres. He experienced rheumatism, which affected his mobility and contributed to the end of his military basketball career.
Interests
Sport & Clubs
Basketball
Connections
Bao married Xia Shujuan, a saleswoman, in 2007. Their wedding included a Mongolian ceremony held near Ordos City. Their son was born in Zunhua, Hebei province, on October 2, 2008.
Wife:
Xia Shujuan
She was a saleswoman and married Bao in 2007.
References
Bao Xi Shun: A history of the world's tallest people
Guinness World Records documents Bao's childhood growth, military service, work as a herdsman and restaurant usher, record measurement at 236.1 centimetres, 2005–2009 reign as the world's tallest man, and assistance to two dolphins in 2006.
2025
World's tallest man becomes world's tallest dad
A Reuters report describes the birth of Bao's son in Zunhua, Hebei province, in October 2008 and provides contemporary details about Bao's height, marriage, and family.
