Bao Xishun Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Kids, Son, Alive, Career, Record

Bao Xishun, also known as Xi Shun, is a Chinese former herdsman from Inner Mongolia who was recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest living man in the world from 2005 until 2009.

Standing at 2.36 meters (7 feet 8.95 inches), he is among the few documented cases of extreme height that occurred naturally without a diagnosed medical condition contributing to his growth. He gained international fame not only for his record-breaking stature but also for using his unusually long arms—measuring 1.06 meters—to save the lives of two dolphins by reaching into their stomachs to remove plastic shards in 2006.

Xi Shun
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Bao Xishun
Stage Name:	Xi Shun
Born:	2 November 1951 (age 74 years old)
Place of Birth:	Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China
Nationality:	Chinese
Height:	2.36 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Bao
Spouse:	Xia Shujuan (m. 2007)
Relationship:	Married
Children:	Bao Tianyou
Occupation:	Herdsman, Former Restaurateur, Celebrity Spokesperson
Net Worth:	$1 million

Early Life and Education

Bao Xishun was born on 2 November 1951 in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China, to Mr. and Mrs. Bao, who are of average height, worked as herders. He has several siblings, all of average stature and details about their names are unknown.

Details about any educational institution are unknown. He is of Mongol ethnicity, and his religion is unknown.

Career

Bao Xishun began his working life as a herdsman in Inner Mongolia, following his family’s traditional lifestyle. After his military service, he struggled to find steady employment due to his unusual height, eventually working briefly as a restaurant usher.

His life changed dramatically in 2005 when he was officially measured and certified by Guinness World Records as the tallest living man in the world, surpassing the previous record holder by just 2.5 millimeters. He traveled to London in September 2005 for his official recognition, marking his first trip outside of China.

Bao achieved international prominence in December 2006 when veterinarians at the Royal Jidi Ocean World in Fushun, China, requested his assistance. Two dolphins had swallowed plastic shards from their pool, and standard surgical instruments failed as the dolphins contracted their stomachs.

Using his 1.06-meter-long arm, Bao reached into the dolphins’ stomachs and manually removed the plastic, saving their lives. This heroic act made headlines worldwide. He held the tallest man title until September 2009, when Sultan Kösen of Turkey was officially measured and surpassed his height.

In his later career, Bao‘s celebrity status led to various public appearances and endorsements. He appeared on the eleventh episode of The Amazing Race 16 (aired May 2, 2010) as a “Pit Stop” greeter. He has been featured in the 2023 documentary Superhuman: Giants, which explores his life and legacy. He has worked as a commercial spokesperson for pharmaceutical products and other brands.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: Unknown
• Facebook Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Bao Xishun married saleswoman Xia Shujuan on March 24, 2007, in a traditional Mongolian ceremony that took place on July 12, 2007, at a Genghis Khan-themed resort near Ordos. At the time of their marriage, Bao was 56 years old and his bride was 28.

Their son, Bao Tianyou, was born at a hospital in Zunhua, Hebei province, on October 2, 2008. Bao has reported that his son was larger than average for his age. He suffers from rheumatism, which he attributes to a childhood habit of sleeping outdoors.

Filmography

• Superhuman: Giants (2023)
• The Amazing Race 16 (2010)

Net Worth

Bao Xishun has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million USD, derived primarily from endorsement deals, commercial appearances, public speaking engagements, and his work as a celebrity spokesperson for various brands including pharmaceutical products.

Additional income sources include appearances in television programs such as The Amazing Race 16 and the documentary Superhuman: Giants.