The Chen family. (Photo/Baoji Daily)

The Chens have been living together since the 1980s in Meixian county, Shaanxi province. The family, which includes four generations, shares one large compound and eats meals together every day. Their happy life is a point of pride among local people.

A reporter from Baoji Daily recently visited the family. As the reporter entered the Chen compound, Chen Zhiping, the oldest member of the family, emerged to offer his greetings.

Chen Kuancang, the oldest son of Chen Zhiping, explained to the reporter that his father, 84-year-old Chen Zhiping, and his mother, 80-year-old Gao Guilang, are the first generation. Chen Kuancang has two younger brothers; together, the three of them are the second generation. The three brothers have altogether seven children, and those seven are the third generation. The seven children have so far brought them seven grandchildren, who comprise the fourth generation. Counting the various in-laws who have married into the Chen clan, the family contains a total of 34 people. 

Chen Kuancang showed the reporter around their shared compound. A new story was added on in 2015, bringing the total floor area to over 750 square meters. The new construction was paid for by Chen Kuancang and his two brothers. They spent nearly 1 million yuan on the construction and decorations. There is one big kitchen in the compound, and it is outfitted with a jumbo-sized pan that can accommodate a meal for nearly 40 people. During every important festival, the Chen family plans a big get-together and relishes the happy family time.