At just six years old, Lian Yunzhi from China has twice broken the women’s world record for the average time taken to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, according to Chinese state media.
The young speedcuber achieved the records during two World Cube Association-certified competitions in Wuhan and Guangzhou in September, recording averages of 4.52 seconds and 4.27 seconds respectively.
Each average was calculated from five solves.
First woman below 4.5 seconds
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Lian, who is from Chengdu, is the first female speedcuber to record an average time of under 4.5 seconds.
Footage published by CCTV shows Lian, wearing a red checked bow in her hair, rapidly turning the cube before placing it on the table and raising her fist in celebration after completing the solve.
More than 1,300 algorithms
Known by the nickname Zizi, Lian was introduced to the Rubik’s Cube after enrolling in lessons alongside other extracurricular activities, including dance and music.
Her mother, Lin Yangxi, told local media she gradually realised cubing could help develop a wide range of skills in children.
Lian has now learnt more than 1,300 solving algorithms and practises for two to three hours every day, according to her mother.
Lin said solving the Rubik’s Cube can strengthen concentration, memory, logical thinking and spatial awareness, while helping children develop a healthy attitude towards winning and losing.
She stressed that speedcubing involves more than memorising formulas, requiring competitors to use logical reasoning to identify the most efficient solutions.
#22Sep | Una niña china de seis años estableció un nuevo récord mundial femenino al resolver un Cubo de Rubik 3×3 en poco más de cuatro segundos.
— El Nacional (@ElNacionalWeb) September 22, 2026
La joven speedcuber Lian Yunzhi batió la marca en dos competiciones oficiales de la World Cube Association celebradas en Wuhan y… pic.twitter.com/09zguNksO6
Source: The Guardian
