Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
Popular Chinese actor Wang Chuanjun has ignited a social media debate after paying a fine so his young daughter could pick a persimmon from a park tree. Wang, known for roles in iPartment and Dying to Survive, which earned over three billion yuan (US$420 million) at the box office, was recently seen in a video helping his daughter reach for persimmons in a park.
The video, trending under the hashtag “Wang Chuanjun paying a fine for his daughter to pick persimmons,” shows Wang lifting his daughter onto his shoulders so she could reach the fruit. Although they were ultimately unable to pick any persimmons, a park security guard approached to inform them that fruit-picking was prohibited. To please his daughter, Wang negotiated with the guard, paid a fine, and plucked a persimmon.
In earlier interviews, Wang has discussed his approach to parenting, emphasizing the importance of keeping promises to children. "You cannot lie to children. They remember everything you tell them. Keeping promises makes them happy,” he told New Weekly. Wang’s wife, Qi Xi, also a well-known actress in China, is celebrated for her roles in artistic films.
The incident quickly became a flashpoint online, sparking both praise and criticism. Many fans appreciated Wang’s gesture, interpreting it as a demonstration of kindness and dedication as a father. One social media user commented, “This is how you raise a girl. If you meet her needs now, she won’t be easily deceived later. And paying the fine shows respect for the rules.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that it would be better to eat the fruit than let it go to waste.
However, the incident drew sharp criticism from others who argued that fines are meant to maintain public order, not serve as a pay-to-break-rules system. “By paying, Wang is sending his daughter the message that rules don’t apply if you have money,” one critic wrote. Another questioned the long-term effects on the child, stating, “Indulging his daughter like this sends a troubling message that money justifies anything, including bending public rules.”
