China businesswoman, 55, marries 25-year-old model, gifts ₹60 crore in dowry

A 55-year-old Chinese entrepreneur has triggered widespread online debate after reportedly marrying a man 30 years younger than her and gifting him assets worth millions as dowry, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

Yu Wenhong, a prominent figure in China’s medical aesthetics industry, is said to have tied the knot with 25-year-old Liu Yuchen, also known as Renren, in March 2026. Reports suggest she transferred assets worth around 50 million yuan (approximately $7.3 million) to him, including cash, property and luxury vehicles.

From Humble Beginnings To Business Empire

Yu’s journey has been marked by a dramatic rise from modest circumstances. Born in Dalian in northeastern China, she began working at the age of 18 after her father’s death, supporting her family through jobs in the beauty industry.

Starting as an eyebrow tattoo technician, she gradually built her own business and went on to establish Young Merry Real International Group in Hong Kong in 2004. Over time, the company expanded rapidly, with a network of more than 150 partner outlets within a year.

Her business operates in the medical aesthetics sector, which focuses on non-surgical cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing appearance and skin health. The industry has seen significant growth in China, driven by rising consumer demand and social media influence.

Despite her success, Yu’s career has not been without controversy. Some of the treatments associated with her business, including the so-called “Porcelain Doll” procedure, have drawn scrutiny over their scientific credibility and high costs.

In 2022, she was also embroiled in a major tax evasion case, reportedly involving concealed income and unpaid taxes running into hundreds of millions of yuan.

Parallel to her business ventures, Yu has cultivated a strong online persona, often projecting herself as a self-made, independent woman. Her statements about financial independence and self-reliance have resonated with many followers, while also helping promote her brand.

Her personal life, however, has attracted equal attention. Reports indicate that she has had multiple marriages in the past, including a long-term relationship with a younger foreign model.

Her latest relationship with Liu Yuchen reportedly began in 2025, with varying accounts suggesting they met through live-stream interactions or business connections. Following this, Yu is said to have gifted him high-end luxury items, including premium cars such as Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz models.

The couple’s public appearances have also drawn attention online, particularly one instance featuring Yu’s teenage son, which sparked widespread discussion among netizens.

Liu Yuchen has publicly acknowledged the unusual nature of his situation, reportedly stating that he had not anticipated such a lifestyle but accepted the opportunity when it came his way.

Their marriage, marked by the reported multi-million-dollar dowry, has triggered mixed reactions across Chinese social media. While some users praised Yu’s success and personal choices, others questioned the dynamics of the relationship and the display of wealth.

The story highlights broader conversations around wealth, gender roles, and relationships in contemporary China—issues that continue to spark debate both online and offline.