There are life stories that seem to unfold like a gentle river meeting the sea — quiet, steady, and ultimately profound in their simplicity. In a small home in Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan District, an elderly couple recently offered the world such a moment: a snapshot of two lives intertwined for more than seven decades, both beginning on the very same day, and both now reaching the remarkable age of 102. When their family photo, taken amidst several generations gathered together, began circulating on social media, countless others paused to reflect on the kind of life that flows slowly but meaningfully, generation by generation.
Yuan Guanjin and his wife, Yin Hezhen, were both born on March 26, 1924, and were married in 1950 after being introduced by friends from neighbouring villages. Yuan’s early years included time as a district running champion, while Yin grew up in a well-off farming family and was often admired for her beauty. Together they worked the land, raised five children and watched those children grow into parents and grandparents themselves.
In the photograph that captured hearts online, the centenarians sit shoulder to shoulder in simple, warm clothes, surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — a living testament to the years they have shared. Viewers were struck not just by their matching ages but by the accompanying sense of history, continuity and quiet devotion.
Family members have shared light-hearted details about their routines and personalities. Their eldest son described having two centenarians in the family as “a rare blessing,” and their youngest daughter laughed when asked about secret longevity tips. She joked that her father’s love of sweets meant extra sugar in cooking, and noted that in recent years he has favoured a vegetarian diet of vegetables, radish and bean products. Meanwhile, Yin is said to have enjoyed meat and, in earlier years, alcohol — though her family now gently moderates her intake.
Despite their advanced age, the couple remain in good health by all accounts. Yin began using a cane last year yet still takes on household tasks like sweeping the floor early each morning, while Yuan, noted for his mobility, occasionally ventures out to the market. Family members say they have no major health issues and haven’t needed serious medical treatment.
What delighted netizens most was not just the couple’s shared birthday and age, but the sense of harmony and enduring companionship evident in the images and family anecdotes. On Douyin and other platforms, users commented on how their story inspires reflection on what it means to share a life, to grow old together and to find contentment in simplicity and familial love.
For many who saw the photos, Yuan and Yin’s story prompted smiles and wistful thoughts about long-term partnership, generational ties and the quiet joys of age. It reminded viewers that while youth often takes the spotlight online, there is also space for celebration of a life lived long and well, shared with someone who truly knows you.
In straight news terms, a couple in Hangzhou, China, both born on March 26, 1924, have gone viral on social media after a family photo commemorating their life together drew widespread attention. The centenarian couple, married since 1950, have five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and maintain good health despite their advanced age.
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Sources South China Morning Post AsiaOne / China News SCMPNews social Detik lifestyle summary Additional social mentions (Facebook)