6-Year-Old Chinese Girl Sets Rubik's Cube World Record
Lian Yunzhi, a 6‑year‑old speedcuber from Chengdu, China, shattered the women’s 3x3 Rubik’s Cube world record with an average of 4.27 seconds across five solves. She achieved this at two World Cube Association‑certified events in Wuhan and Guangzhou, becoming the first female to average under 4.5 s…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Tuesday, state broadcaster CCTV announced that Lian Yunzhi, a 6‑year‑old from Chengdu, China, had set a new women’s world record for solving a 3x3 Rubik’s Cube. In two consecutive World Cube Association (WCA)‑certified competitions held in Wuhan and Guangzhou, Lian posted averages of 4.52 and 4.27 seconds, respectively, after solving the puzzle five times in each event.
Breaking the Record
With a final average of 4.27 seconds, Lian became the first female speedcuber to average under 4.5 seconds in the 3x3 discipline. The record, which previously stood at 4.52 seconds, was broken by just 0.25 seconds—a margin that, in the world of speedcubing, represents a significant leap. The WCA’s official results confirm that Lian’s performance met all certification standards, including a valid scramble and a compliant cube.
From Classroom to Competition
Lian’s journey began in a local extracurricular class in Chengdu, where her mother, Lin Yangxi, enrolled her alongside dance and music lessons. Lin later shifted her focus to cubing after recognizing its potential to foster comprehensive skills in children. "Cubing is an excellent activity for developing focus, memory, logical thinking, and spatial awareness," Lin told the local media. She added that the sport also teaches healthy attitudes toward winning and losing.
According to Lin, Lian has mastered more than 1,300 solving algorithms and practices for two to three hours each day. The family’s home in Sichuan province is a hub of cubing activity, with trophies displayed proudly on a shelf and a small cube always within reach. Lian’s dedication is evident in her routine: she trains with her parents, refines her finger tricks, and studies new strategies to shave milliseconds off her times.
Impact on Youth and the Cubing Community
Speedcubing has seen a surge in popularity among children worldwide, with many young athletes achieving record times that once seemed impossible. Lian’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration for aspiring cubers, especially girls, showing that age and gender need not be barriers to success. The WCA has reported an increase in female participation in recent years, and Lian’s record could further accelerate that trend.
Beyond competition, the cognitive benefits of cubing—such as improved problem‑solving skills and enhanced memory—have attracted attention from educators and psychologists. Lian’s parents credit the activity with boosting her concentration in school and encouraging a growth mindset. As more families adopt cubing as a developmental tool, the sport may become a staple in after‑school programs across China and beyond.
What Happens Next?
While Lian’s record stands for now, the WCA schedule includes upcoming championships in Shanghai and Hong Kong where she may defend her title. The community is also monitoring her progress as she continues to refine her technique. If she maintains her training regimen, it is conceivable that she could lower her average even further, potentially breaking the 4‑second barrier—a milestone that has yet to be achieved by any female cuber.
Meanwhile, the Chinese national speedcubing federation has announced plans to host a youth championship in Chengdu later this year, hoping to nurture talent like Lian and provide a platform for young cubers to compete internationally.
For now, Lian Yunzhi’s record is a testament to what focused practice and supportive families can accomplish, even in a discipline that blends mathematics, physics, and artistry.
Key facts
- Lian Yunzhi set a women’s 3x3 Rubik’s Cube record with a 4.27‑second average
- She broke the record in Wuhan and Guangzhou WCA events
- First female to average under 4.5 seconds
- Her training involves 2–3 hours daily and over 1,300 algorithms
- Speedcubing is rising among young Chinese athletes, especially girls
- Her success may inspire future record attempts and increased participation
Why it matters
Lian Yunzhi’s record showcases the potential of young athletes in niche sports and highlights the cognitive benefits of speedcubing, encouraging broader participation and support for youth development programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WCA‑certified competition?
The World Cube Association certifies events that follow standardized rules, ensuring fair play and accurate record-keeping.
How does Lian’s record compare to the men’s record?
The men’s 3x3 record is currently under 4 seconds, so Lian’s 4.27‑second average is competitive but still behind the top male times.
Can children as young as six compete in WCA events?
Yes, the WCA allows participants of any age, provided they meet the event’s registration requirements.
What are the benefits of speedcubing for children?
Studies suggest improvements in spatial reasoning, memory, concentration, and problem‑solving skills.
Will Lian attempt a single‑solve record?
The WCA tracks both averages and single solves; future competitions may see her aiming for a single‑solve record under 4 seconds.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “6-year-old Chinese girl reportedly sets Rubik's Cube world record, completing puzzle in just over 4 seconds”
