Uncle Gong's summer spectacle: How one man keeps 18 kids happy and fed

Every summer, Gong Lingjun, a 37-year-old Chongqing resident, welcomes a whirlwind of activity as his 16 nieces and nephews descend upon his home for a boisterous family vacation. The heartwarming, yet occasionally wallet-busting, gatherings have captured the hearts of Chinese netizens.

Gong, who has two children of his own, sees his household balloon to 18 during the 55-day summer break. According to media reports, he spent roughly 60,000 yuan ($8,250) keeping everyone fed and cool in 2022.

Feeding this sizable crew is no small feat. Daily groceries include a staggering 8 kilograms of rice, 4 kilograms of meat, and 20 eggs, alongside mountains of fresh produce. The sweltering Chongqing summers necessitate running five air conditioners simultaneously, further adding to the expenses.

Despite the logistical challenges, Gong cheerfully manages the chaos, ensuring everyone is well-fed — a scene reminiscent of a bustling school cafeteria. His siblings contribute by sending food supplies, while his mother helms the kitchen and his wife tackles the laundry.

These family gatherings extend beyond summer, with visits during Chinese New Year and winter holidays. Winter break expenses typically reach around 20,000 yuan.

Gong's dedication to fostering family bonds has propelled him to online fame. He has amassed 922,000 followers on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, by documenting these vibrant gatherings. Many netizens commend him for creating opportunities for the younger generation to connect, experience the joy of a large, extended family, and build lasting memories.

Gong believes these reunions are crucial in preventing future estrangement between generations. His supportive wife also cherishes the warmth and liveliness brought by their expansive family.