World

Yunnan Man’s Open Wedding Invitation Draws Over 10,000 Strangers to Village Celebration

By TOI Lifestyle Desk

24‑year‑old Xu Chenghong of Yiliang County, Yunnan, posted an open invitation on Douyin on October 25, explaining that he had few relatives to attend his wedding and feared the event would feel empty. Xu, who had saved 167,500 yuan for the ceremony, asked strangers to come, share a meal, and help make the occasion feel like a proper celebration. The invitation sparked a large response: people from across China travelled to the village, bringing food, flowers, gifts, and supplies. Chefs offered to cook, volunteers helped with decorations, and one person provided a Maybach for the couple. As the crowd grew, Xu’s home could no longer accommodate everyone, and local officials moved the celebration to a larger venue. Hotels in Luowang township were fully booked and local restaurants saw a surge in business. On October 31, Xu married his bride, Chuichui, in front of more than 10,000 attendees. The couple exchanged rings, bowed before the crowd, and later celebrated with a bonfire dance in traditional Miao clothing. Xu asked guests not to give cash gifts, urging them instead to travel safely and take care of their belongings. The event drew emotional comments online, with many praising the spirit of solidarity and kindness. Some critics questioned whether the invitation was a marketing stunt and raised concerns about accommodation, traffic, and safety. Xu had informed the village committee and reminded people to prioritise safety. Despite the concerns, the wedding became a large gathering of strangers who travelled to celebrate a couple they had never met.