A man in northeastern China who was filmed pushing his bicycle through deep water on his way to work amid torrential rain has trended on social media.

The video triggered an outpouring of emotion after internet users learned that the man was a doctor who had appointments to perform surgery on two patients that day, state news agency Xinhua reported.

It was on July 13 when Shenyang, in Liaoning province, was hit by a serious downpour, with precipitation measuring 230mm.

The local government announced that it was the heaviest rainfall since 1951. Numerous roads were flooded and most public transport was paralysed.

The authorities urged the public to suspend their work and studies.

But according to China’s laws, some people with special duties, such as medical workers, soldiers, police officers and firefighters, should stay at their posts.