Lian Yunzhi, a remarkable six-year-old from Chengdu, China, has made headlines by breaking the women’s Rubik’s Cube world record twice within the span of just three days. Demonstrating extraordinary skill and dedication, Yunzhi achieved average solve times of 4.52 seconds and 4.27 seconds at events sanctioned by the World Cube Association (WCA). Her remarkable performance has positioned her as the only female cuber globally to achieve an average time of under 4.5 seconds.
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The young prodigy participated in two competitions: the WCA Wuhan Danqiu Cube Competition and the WCA Guangzhou Three-Speed Double-Wheel Competition IV. Her accomplishments were confirmed by local broadcaster CCTV, which reported on her remarkable journey in the world of competitive cubing.
Footage from the events shows Yunzhi energetically solving the colourful puzzle, adorned with a playful red gingham bow atop her head. The joy of completing the cube is evident in her reactions, as she celebrates each successful solve with childlike glee, capturing the hearts of those watching.
Yunzhi, affectionately known by her nickname “Zhizhi,” discovered her passion for solving Rubik’s Cubes after enrolling in a dedicated class. This interest has blossomed alongside her other pursuits, including dance and music. Her mother, Lin Yangxi, played a crucial role in nurturing this hobby, recognising the benefits it could yield in her daughter’s development.
Lin stated that she became aware of cubing’s potential as an “excellent activity for fostering a child’s comprehensive abilities.” Encouraging Yunzhi’s passion, Lin reported that her daughter has already mastered an impressive repertoire of over 1,300 solving algorithms. Yunzhi invests between two to three hours each day in practice, illustrating a level of commitment and determination that belies her tender age.
The benefits of solving Rubik’s Cubes extend beyond mere entertainment, Lin highlighted. She noted that the activity enhances focus, memory, and logical thinking skills, while also promoting spatial awareness. Importantly, Lin emphasised the value of developing a healthy mindset towards both winning and losing, fostering resilience in her daughter.
Despite her impressive feats within the female cubing community, Yunzhi still has further strides to make before she can challenge the overall world records. Currently, the fastest time recorded for solving a Rubik’s Cube stands at an astonishing 2.76 seconds. This record was achieved by Teodor Zajder in Gdansk, Poland, on 8 February 2026, marking a significant feat for competitive cubers overall.
Further adding to the landscape of cubing achievement, the fastest average time for five solves is 3.51 seconds, established by Yiheng Wang in Hefei, China, on 17 June 2026. These records reflect the intense competition at the elite level and the exceptional talent present within the cubing community.
Yunzhi’s story has resonated with many and highlights the growing prominence of young talents in competitive sports and activities. As she continues on her journey, many are eager to see how far this young cubing sensation can go and whether she can further shatter existing records in the future.
In a time when extreme talent often shines brightest in unexpected arenas, Lian Yunzhi serves as an inspirational example of determination and skill. Her achievements not only represent a personal triumph but also help to encourage a broader appreciation for the art and strategy involved in solving Rubik’s Cubes, a pastime that continues to captivate minds around the world.