Shandong weddings go green with use of electric buses

Dongming county – located in Heze city in East China's Shandong province – is making all the right headlines these days.

That's because of its innovative approach to weddings – having rolled out electric buses, as a novel and eco-friendly mode of transportation for couples on their special day.

The eye-catching wedding buses, festooned with balloons and red xi characters – which symbolize happiness or joy – have become a symbol of the county's commitment to modernizing traditional customs. [Photo by Xu Debo and Xu Jiahui for chinadaily.com.cn]

As part of a broader initiative to reform its wedding practices, Dongming county officials collaborated with various departments to encourage simplified and contemporary ceremonies.

The introduction of the "521 route" in early 2023 by Dongming Public Transit is said to have marked a significant step in this direction, offering couples a new and cost-effective travel option.

The use of public buses as wedding vehicles is designed to fit in with the county's emphasis on resource reuse and also promotes the concept of green travel.

This "low-carbon" wedding trend, catering to the preferences of the younger generation, aims to add a touch of modernity to weddings and also sets an example for environmentally responsible celebrations. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)