Brighter prospects

In 1990, Wang Kaicai, a 49-year-old native of Songgou village, got married in Yangba, the township that includes the village of the same name.

Wang said his parents supported his decision because they knew his prospects would be brighter in the town than in Songgou, which was so isolated and impoverished that until 2005 it had no sealed road to connect it with other villages.

On his wedding day, Wang left Songgou accompanied by more than 30 relatives, and arrived at his fiance's family home in a vehicle they had sent. He only brought a few prices of furniture, such as tables and chairs, as a dowry, he said.

His two daughters, who are in their 20s, are studying in Xi'an, and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan. Wang said he will not get involved in their future marriages, but he hopes they will live close to him and his wife, if possible.

"After they marry they can follow their husbands if they wish, but I hope at least one of them will live near us so we can be cared for when we grow old."

Contact the writer at wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn