Ding cuts and gathers some seaweed as food from the ocean. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ding's unique lifestyle made headlines domestically and went viral on micro-blogging platform Sina Weibo. Many online have expressed their appreciation of the concept, and began to critically think about many issues themselves, such as the true cost of the convenience they've been enjoying through food deliveries and online shopping. An internet user called Liang Yi comments: "We cannot change the world, but we can change ourselves."

There are also many doubts and disagreements among users. For example, when they learned that Ding often asks her colleagues for their leftovers for her lunch, some questions about hygiene were raised.

Others aired safety concerns when they learned that, while traveling, Ding chooses to engage in "couch surfing"-sleeping on a couch for short stays in the homes of people she barely knows.

Ding welcomes all the comments and feedback. "I love to get any reaction from people, agreeing or disagreeing. My lifestyle has triggered some discussions and led some people reflect on their own lives," Ding says.