PHOTO REPORT: China through eyes of MOLDPRES // One world, one family: How Chinese celebrate family, women, social cohesion in modern era

In a China that is blending millennia-old traditions with the technology of the future at a breathtaking pace, the notion of “home” remains the central pillar supporting the whole of society. On International Day of Families, marked worldwide on May 15, the Chinese capital became the host of an event with deep symbolic significance.

Based in Beijing, the MOLDPRES correspondent witnessed a major international gathering that highlighted not only the celebration of family values, but also the structural transformations Chinese society is undergoing in its efforts to modernize public services and strengthen the role of women in the community.

The event, organized under the slogan “家和天下 健康同行” (Healthy Families, Healthy World), marked a 16‑year tradition in which Chinese families and the international community meet in Beijing, building a true bridge of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The 2026 edition was directly aligned with United Nations objectives, with the central theme “Families and the Well‑Being of Children.”

Intersection point: Medical tradition and healthy eating at “Tongrentang Zhima Health Zero”

The venue chosen for the event was no coincidence, but rather a mirror of the Chinese concept of vitality. The entire program took place inside the renowned “Tongrentang Zhima Health Zero” Center (Center for Balanced Health and Lifestyle), an avant‑garde space that also hosts a large exhibition‑fair dedicated to natural products, phytotherapy, and healthy nutrition.

Founded by a historic brand with a remarkable reputation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this modern complex demonstrates how a healthy lifestyle is becoming a national priority for 21st‑century families. Among stands with aromatic herbs, natural remedies aimed at maintaining longevity, and innovative nutrition solutions, the atmosphere was vibrant, opened by the smiles of children jumping rope and by spectacular demonstrations of traditional martial arts (Kung Fu and Wushu).

Integration, inclusion, and responsibility

The organizing structure brought together top‑tier institutions: the Beijing Women’s Federation, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and the Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges. The overall message was centered around five fundamental values inscribed on the symbolic emblem of the event: Integration, Inclusion, Responsibility, Development, and Vitality.

“Women are the heart of the family, and the family is the nucleus of our social stability. In a world that is constantly changing, our duty is to create family‑oriented policies that ensure the well‑being of children and protect the rights of mothers. We want every woman to feel the support of the community, whether at home or in the workplace,” said a representative of the Beijing Women’s Federation during the official opening.

In turn, international participants noted the openness of the hosts. A journalist from Serbia remarked: “It is fascinating to see how China manages to use spaces dedicated to health and nutrition to bring people together from all over the world, conveying a universal message: regardless of culture, we are one world, one family.”

Demographics and service reform: the Chinese state as ally of young mothers

With a population of about 1.4 billion, China has more than 680 million women. However, decades of demographic imbalance generated by the former one‑child policy, coupled with a sharp decline in birth rates and an aging population, have prompted the authorities to undertake a massive and bold reform of social services.

The Chinese government has shifted from restrictive policies to measures that stimulate and directly support families. Among the most important programs recently implemented are:

Direct financial support: Families receive a national subsidy of about 3,600 yuan (around 500 US dollars) per year for each child up to the age of three, a program that supports over 20 million families annually.

Cost‑free childbirth: In numerous provinces, expenses for prenatal consultations and childbirth are fully covered by the public system, with the goal of completely eliminating out‑of‑pocket costs.

Modernizing childcare services: The state is expanding the network of public nurseries and kindergartens, while some regions have already introduced free preschool education.

Women’s rights in the workplace: Legislation now forbids companies from asking women in job interviews about their marriage or childbearing plans, and it enforces tough measures against gender discrimination and domestic violence. Although local experts acknowledge that financial challenges (linked to housing prices and the cost of higher education) remain significant, the direction is clear: social cohesion is built by offering women emotional and professional security.

A piece of “Made in China” luck in MOLDPRES’s luggage

Beyond figures, analyses, and social policies, the beauty of the event also lay in the interactive workshops organized in the entertainment area of Tongrentang Zhima Health. Participants were invited to bake colorful cookies, prepare sachets with medicinal herbs, and discover the secrets of local craftsmanship.

The highlight of the experience for the MOLDPRES correspondent was an initiation into the ancient art of crafting traditional Chinese knots “Panchangjie.” Patiently woven from red thread, considered sacred, these complex knots represent in Chinese cosmology an eternal symbol of luck, longevity, and the unbroken connection between people.

Guided by local artisans, our agency’s special envoy handcrafted such a knot, taking home not only documentation of a successful international event, but also an authentic piece of “Made in China” luck, meant to symbolically bind Chișinău and Beijing in a spirit of respect and global harmony.