Chinese family of 13 draws divided response online
A rural couple in Guangxi has attracted attention after raising 13 children, a family size that stands out as China confronts a declining birth rate. The family relies on farming and government assistance, while the father says the children bring happiness and reduce fears of isolation and bullying.
A couple in rural Qinzhou, in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has attracted widespread attention after having 13 children over 22 years, according to Jiupai News. Huang, 49, and his 42-year-old wife have eight sons and five daughters. Their eldest child, a 22-year-old daughter, is married, while their youngest is two.
Another daughter is studying at university, and their 18-year-old eldest son is in high school. Huang said he enrols the children in school when they reach the appropriate age, in line with compulsory education requirements. The family farms a 20-mu plot, equivalent to about 13,340 square metres, mainly growing rice.
A local cadre told Jiupai News that the family receives 3,500 yuan (US$520) a month in government subsidies. Officials also provided financial assistance several years ago to help build the family’s two-storey home. The support keeps the household above the poverty line set by authorities, the cadre said.
Huang said he was happy to have a large family because hearing his children call him “dad” brought him joy. He also said a larger family reduced the risk of bullying in the village and meant he would be less lonely in old age. The family’s circumstances have also been difficult.
Huang said a 2016 construction accident caused serious injuries to his leg and waist and left him with medical debts of 100,000 yuan. He continues to work long hours on the land but can no longer lift heavy objects. Local officials have visited to discourage further childbearing, although any fines linked to birth-control rules are unclear.
Online reaction has been mixed, with some commentators criticising the family’s ability to provide education and healthcare, while others praised its contribution to society. China ended its one-child policy at the end of 2015, later allowing two children and then up to three in 2021.
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