Chinese man, 86, marries first love in touching, lively ceremony decades after they dated at Peking University
BEIJING (South China Morning Post): An 86-year-old man in China has married his first love, a fellow former student at Peking University, decades after they met.

The wedding sparked widespread interest, with the elderly couple receiving heartfelt blessings from across the Chinese online community.

The groom, Zhou Guilin, from Yiyang city in Hunan province, central China, arranged the nuptials for April 14.

The affection between the couple was evident, and the wedding quickly became a sensation on mainland social media.

Zhou had been a student of law at Peking University, one of the most prestigious universities in China.

He later founded Gaoping Middle School in his hometown and served as its first principal, dedicating his life to education.

A large crowd turned out to welcome the happy couple to the wedding ceremony. - Photo: Haokan

His 81-year-old bride, Yang Xiugui, who also studied at Peking University, once shared a youthful and beautiful love with Zhou during their student days.

Despite their deep connection at that time, they went their separate ways and spent decades apart.

Teachers working at Zhou’s school recounted to BaiLu Video that Zhou and Yang had each established families after parting.

It was not until their spouses passed away that the two reconnected and found joy in the other’s company once again.

Being reunited invigorated them and so the couple decided to spend their remaining years together, formalising their union with a wedding.

According to trending online videos, the ceremony was simple but adorned with many thoughtful decorations.

There were heartfelt poems dotted around the venue, such as,“For sixty years, like swallows parting ways, no brocade book could capture the depth of our yearning. A century of sincere hopes, and now by the red candlelight, we inscribe our first love anew.”

The 81-year-old bride, Yang Xiugui, is clearly enjoying the day, proudly watched by her husband. - Photo: Haokan

During the festivities, the bride joyously danced, sang and played the drums, adding to the lively atmosphere of the group that had gathered to celebrate.

A friend of the couple, surnamed Chen, revealed that the intimate banquet comprised just three tables, attended only by close friends and relatives – a small reception by traditional Chinese standards.

The story resonated deeply with many people online, who regarded it as a celebration of enduring love and a fulfilled life.

“This is true love. Even at his age, he made sure to welcome the bride with liveliness, not just quietly together. Nowadays, many who are marrying aren’t willing to put in such effort,” one person said.

“It’s quite blissful. At this age, to fulfil a lifelong yearning, I send my blessings,” said another.

“Their life has come full circle – this is what true fulfilment looks like,” wrote a third. - South China Morning Post
Couple share romance as students then, go their separate ways but reunite decades later, find joy together again and have fun-filled wedding.