A young man in China who worried that his wedding would feel empty because he had few relatives to invite ended up celebrating with thousands of strangers. What began as a personal invitation posted on social media turned into a large gathering, with people travelling from different parts of the country to bring gifts, prepare food and help organise the event.

As reported by Global Times, 24-year-old Xu Chenghong, from Yiliang county in Yunnan province, posted an open invitation on Douyin, China's short-video platform, ahead of his wedding. He wanted people to come, share a meal and help make the occasion feel like a proper celebration. He was also worried about how the small gathering might look in his village.

Xu had saved 167,500 yuan through his own efforts for the wedding. However, his family circumstances meant that he had very few relatives who could attend. His father died when he was three, his mother later remarried, and his grandmother, who had raised him, also passed away. He and his elder brother had largely relied on each other, according to the China News Service.

Rather than accept that his wedding would be a small affair, Xu decided to invite strangers online. He posted a video on October 25, explaining his situation and asking people to join him on his special day.

Thousands respond to the invitation

The response was far bigger than Xu had expected. People from different parts of China said they would travel to attend the wedding. Some brought food, flowers, gifts and other supplies, while others volunteered to help with the arrangements. According to the Free Press Journal, several chefs also offered to cook for the guests. Visitors helped prepare the wedding decorations, arrange supplies and get the venue ready. Some reportedly organised a fleet of wedding cars, while one person offered the couple a Maybach for the occasion.

As more people arrived, Xu's home was no longer large enough to accommodate the gathering. Local officials helped move the celebration to a bigger venue. The *Global Times* reported that hotels in Luowang township were fully booked and local restaurants saw a surge in business as visitors arrived.

The wedding took place on October 31, when Xu married his bride, Chuichui. According to reports, more than 10,000 people attended. The couple exchanged rings and bowed before the crowd. Later, they celebrated with a bonfire dance in traditional Miao clothing. Xu had also asked guests not to give him cash gifts. Instead, he urged them to travel safely and take care of their belongings.

Strangers say they wanted to support the couple

The invitation prompted many people online to express their willingness to attend. One commenter wrote, “Bro, we're on the way!!” The scale of the gathering also drew emotional responses. One social media user wrote: “I saw the kindness deeply rooted in our bones at this wedding in a mountain village.”

Another comment reflected on how people who had never met could come together for someone else's celebration: “The Chinese people's spirit of solidarity has never changed. We may be strangers, but we are willing to support one another; we may share no blood ties, yet we can become family. This simple spirit of looking out for one another is the most moving force hidden in everyday life.” The story also reached international audiences.

However, the gathering was not received positively by everyone. According to The Global Times, some people questioned whether the invitation had been planned as a marketing exercise, while others raised concerns about accommodation, traffic and the practical arrangements involved in receiving so many visitors. Xu had informed the village committee about the invitation and reminded people to prioritise safety.

Some online users felt viral events could attract people seeking publicity. One commenter said, “I mean, you could? If the internet ‘unites’. But there will be some people going there to ride the wave or get exposure.” Despite the questions surrounding the event, the wedding became a large gathering of people who had travelled to celebrate with a couple they had never met.

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