Why wealthy Chinese families recruit poor graduates as sons-in-law
The practice draws on an ancient tradition
THE LINGYIN temple in Hangzhou, a lovely, tree-shaded place, has long drawn those seeking the blessings of a good marriage or children. Pilgrims may still be glimpsed today. On a recent afternoon Chaguan watched a mother and daughter leave a tour group to pray, incense sticks held aloft, to a statue of Guanyin, a Buddhist immortal, before hurrying back to their guide.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “New life for an old tradition”
From the May 22nd 2021 edition
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