The rumors have prompted some to make drastic decisions, much to the consternation of their loved ones. A woman surnamed Jiang, also from Jiangsu, recently mortgaged her property for 1.04 million yuan, although the property was previously valued at 3 million yuan.
Jiang said she expected to "donate the money to orphans and enjoy my life before doomsday."
Her husband, angered by his wife's decision, convinced her to get their apartment back.
Others have rushed to get married before the end of the world arrives. Marriage registry offices in the cities of Xi'an, Hefei, Guangzhou and Shanghai have filled their daily quota for marriage registrations for the date of Dec. 21.
Science fiction author Wang Jinkang believes those convinced by the rumors would do well to focus more on the here and now, stating that they should be more wary of disasters caused by climate change, a possible shortage of freshwater and deadly pathogens.
"The rumors are a misinterpretation of the Maya calendar and are still going on," said Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist for China's lunar orbiter project, adding that he believes Dec. 21 will be a peaceful and safe day.
"The sun will still rise on Dec. 21. All reactions to the doomsday prophecy show a strong recognition of the crisis of human existence. However, these reactions should be rooted in science," said Wang Sichao, an astronomer at the Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory.
He explained that when the sun transforms from its current stable state into a red giant, its expansion will devour Earth, signaling the end for the human race and the very planet itself.
"However, that won't happen for another 5 billion years. At that time, humans will have to be able to find a new home," Wang Sichao said, adding that the best reaction to the rumors should be to cherish one's life and loved ones.
Beijing-Zhengzhou high-speed railway to start service on Dec. 26
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