China couple have 13 kids to avoid village bullying, elderly loneliness, dividing public opinion

A middle-aged couple in rural China has recently trended on social media for having 13 children.The family, living in a village in Qinzhou in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, stands out in mainland China, particularly in light of the country’s declining birth rate. This situation has prompted authorities to implement various policies encouraging marriage and larger families.According to Jiupai News, the 49-year-old man, surnamed Huang, and his 42-year-old wife have welcomed 13 children – eight sons and five daughters – since their marriage 22 years ago. Their oldest child is a 22-year-old daughter who is already married, while their youngest child is only two years old.The couple’s second oldest daughter is currently studying at a university, and their oldest son, aged 18, is still in high school. Interestingly, among the Huang children, the first two and the last three are girls, with the boys positioned in between.Huang mentioned that he enrols his children in school as they reach the appropriate age, ensuring compliance with the country’s compulsory education laws.The family’s income primarily derives from farming, as they cultivate rice on their 20-mu plot (13,340 sq m). A local cadre reported that Huang’s family receives 3,500 yuan (US$520) in government subsidies per month, which helps maintain their living standards above the poverty line established by authorities. Additionally, local officials provided financial aid years ago to help them build a two-storey home.Supported by rice farming and 3,500 yuan (US$520) in monthly government subsidies, the Huang family maintains a living standard above the poverty line on their 20-mu plot. Photo: RedNoteHuang expressed his joy in having many children, stating: “Seeing my kids and hearing them call me ‘dad’ makes me very happy. Some of my kids are sensible while others are mischievous, each with their unique characteristics.”He also noted that a larger family minimises the risk of bullying in the village and assures him that he will not feel lonely in his later years.Following the implementation of the one-child policy from the late 1970s until the end of 2015, the Chinese government allowed couples to have two children, and by 2021, permitted up to three. Families violating this policy face varying penalties depending on the region.Local officials in Guangxi have visited Huang’s home multiple times, attempting to persuade him against having more children. However, he remains steadfast in his reproductive choices. The extent of any fines he may have incurred for breaches of the birth control policy remains unclear.Huang has mentioned ongoing debts resulting from a construction site accident in 2016, which left him with serious injuries to his leg and waist, costing him 100,000 yuan (US$15,000) in medical expenses.Despite government subsidies, skyrocketing living and education costs have driven China’s birth rate to historic lows, triggering a severe population decline. Photo: Shutterstock“I have to work on the land all day and even into the evening to support my family. Sometimes I feel pain in my leg and waist from working too long, and I can no longer lift heavy objects,” Huang explained.His wife, he added, is in good health after giving birth to all 13 children.The Huang family has attracted mixed reactions on social media in China.One observer criticised them, saying: “He is so irresponsible for having too many children without the means to support them. Raising a child involves more than just providing food and clothing; it also requires education, guidance, and medical care, all of which necessitate money and energy.”Conversely, another commenter praised their efforts, stating: “Well done! The government should reward them for making such contributions to society.”A third observer expressed concern for Huang’s wife, saying: “I feel sorry for her. The man is crazy and doesn’t seem to care about her health.”Further Reading