Bike sharing craze in China goes 'nuptial'

While most Chinese couples opt to rent a limousine or other 'fancy' forms of transportation, a groom in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, led a fleet of 50 decorated shared bikes to escort his bride before 'tying the knot' on their big day on Tuesday, local media reported.

A couple rides shared bikes as part of a wedding ceremony in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, April 25, 2017. [Photo: dahe.cn]

The idea of a "shared bike wedding" was proposed by the groom, when the then college classmates, who have been in relationship for 6 years, were planning their wedding transportation last month.

Compared to an average car wedding fleet, which may cost between 3,000 to 5,000 yuan (about $436 to 726 USD), getting hitched on bikes is both economical and romantic, said the newly-married couple.

The young couple spent reportedly less than 50 yuan (about $7.30 USD) to outfit their wedding fleet.

A couple rides shared bikes as part of a wedding ceremony in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, April 25, 2017. [Photo: dahe.cn]

Tradition in China often dictates a lavish ceremony to take the new bride to her new home. A brightly decorated sedan chair was the main choice in China for centuries. More recently, luxury vehicles have become the more logical choice.