Chinese 'orphan', 24, worried no one would attend wedding holds open invite to wedding online, thousands show up with gifts

In a surprising turn of events, a Chinese man facing the prospect of a small, intimate wedding due to a lack of close relatives decided to take matters into his own hands. Xu Chenghong, known online as Xiao Xiao Xu, took to the popular video-sharing app Douyin to invite people from across the country to attend his wedding. With no immediate family to support him, the 24-year-old had to rely on his own efforts to make the special day happen.

Despite the challenges of his past, Xu managed to save enough money to fund his wedding. However, he was initially concerned that the lack of close family members might result in a quiet and subdued affair. To counter this, he posted a video on Douyin on October 25, inviting netizens to join the celebration on October 31. Little did he know that his public call for attendance would lead to a massive turnout.

The day before the wedding, thousands of guests arrived, eager to support the young couple. News outlets reported that the wedding's vibrant atmosphere could be heard from a considerable distance, as vehicles from various provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Fujian, lined the rural roads. Attendees traveled from far and wide, moved by Xu's heartfelt video and the prospect of contributing to the celebration.

Upon arriving, guests found the wedding venue adorned with banners and decorations. They brought food items such as pork and vegetables, and even contributed resources like freezers and heaters. Some individuals offered their professional skills, providing photography, styling, and makeup services for the couple. Chefs offered to cook meals for free, while volunteers stepped up to assist with the event's coordination.

Xu's brother played an active role in preparations, offering directions and help to guests as needed. The sheer scale of the turnout amazed those who witnessed the event, with one attendee noting that the wedding's grandeur could be heard from a full kilometre away. Xu, ever the gracious host, expressed his gratitude to the thousands of attendees who traveled great distances to support him and his partner.