Life over wife, man embarks on cross-country journey after breaking engagement over extra bride price

A 35-year-old man in Shanxi province, China, has embarked on a cross-country journey after breaking his engagement over an extra 30,000 yuan ($4,300) in bride price demanded by his fiancee.

The man, surnamed Zhu, met his fiancee through a blind date last year. After dating for about 8 to 9 months, they decided to get married. The betrothal gift of 188,000 yuan ($26,900), which includes wedding photography and jewelry, is considered the "normal market price" in their hometown. Zhu had already accepted to pay the bride price.

However, Zhu's fiancee later asked for an extra 30,000 yuan. Faced with financial constraints and feeling distressed, Zhu decided to call off the engagement after a quarrel with his fiancee.

After informing his parents of the breakup, they encouraged him to reconcile with his fiancee, but Zhu refused. Instead, he decided to take some time off and travel across the country.

On June 1, Zhu set off on his journey with a backpack. Over a period of five months, he traveled to over 40 cities, spending a little over 30,000 yuan. He mainly relied on slow trains for transportation and stayed in youth hostels to minimize his expenses.

On Thursday, Zhu was traveling in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, and had stayed there for a dozen days.

Zhu told Xiaoxiang Morning News, a news outlet in Hunan province, that he does not reject marriage or blind dates. However, he chose not to inform his parents about his resignation.

Zhu's story has attracted attention and various opinions from netizens. While some support his decision, others criticize him for being stingy or miserly.

Zhu said he does not care much about these comments. He also said that he has no intention to spend all his money on his trip. He may end his journey at the end of this year.