Marriage is one of life’s most important milestones, and the Guo Da Li ceremony—a key part of traditional Chinese wedding customs—symbolizes the groom’s sincerity and carries heartfelt blessings for the couple’s future.

Feeling overwhelmed by the complex preparations? Created with care by Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, our Chinese wedding brand Hei Yue has thoughtfully compiled a Guo Da Li Starter Guide to help you navigate every detail and important step with ease—so you can complete the ceremony stress-free and full of joy.

What Is Guo Da Li?

In Hong Kong, Guo Da Li is a significant ritual in traditional Chinese wedding customs, usually held about a month before the wedding on an auspicious date chosen by the groom’s family. On this day, the groom’s family presents betrothal gifts and cash to the bride’s family, symbolizing their sincerity and commitment. The ceremony also represents the union and blessings between both families.

Step-by-Step Guo Da Li Guide (HK)

1. Choose an Auspicious Date Guo Da Li should be held 14 to 60 days before the wedding, on a lucky date and time. It's best to arrange it earlier rather than later.
2. Delivery of Betrothal Gifts The groom’s family and close relatives bring the betrothal gifts to the bride’s home. The bride’s parents and relatives wait to receive them.
3. Welcoming the Groom’s Family The bride’s parents come out to welcome the groom’s relatives. After receiving the cash gift, they invite the guests inside.
4. Presentation of Gifts & Blessings The groom’s family presents the gifts and delivers auspicious blessings and good wishes.
5. Photo Moment & Return Gifts The groom joins the bride’s family for photos. The bride’s family then returns part of the gifts (known as the "return gifts") to the groom’s family—this completes the ceremony.

Groom’s Guo Da Li Gift Checklist

According to tradition, the groom’s family is responsible for preparing the following betrothal gifts:


- Cash gift (Li Jin)

- Dragon and Phoenix candles

- Dragon and Phoenix cakes, or wedding pastries

- Three offerings (chicken, fish, pork)

- Dried seafood gift or seafood basket

- Fruit basket (e.g., pineapple, Fuji apples, mandarin oranges)

- Four types of preserved fruits and nuts (dried longan, dried lychee, walnuts, peanuts)

- Gift box set (including lotus seeds, red dates, lily bulbs, and betrothal gold)

- Western liquor


Nowadays, many couples opt for a simpler approach. Essential items such as coconuts, fruit baskets, traditional Chinese pastries, Dragon and Phoenix cakes, and ceremonial candles can all be arranged through Hei Yue. Other items may be replaced with an all-inclusive red packet (lai see).

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Bride’s Return Gift Checklist

The bride’s family is traditionally expected to prepare the following return gifts:


- Dragon and Phoenix cakes or traditional Chinese pastries

- Red packet for the groom (or items such as trousers, belt, shoes, etc.)

- Tea return gifts (e.g., prosperity cakes, sponge cakes, sesame balls)

- Auspicious plants (e.g., lotus root, pomegranate)

Numbers to Use & Avoid in Guo Da Li

Chinese people often associate numbers and quantities with symbolism, so it’s important to pay attention to the small details in the Guo Da Li ceremony! The quantity of betrothal gifts should never be in odd numbers—always present items in even numbers to symbolize harmony and togetherness.

Suggested Guo Da Li Gift Amounts

The amount of the betrothal money should carry auspicious meaning—ending the figure with 88 or 99 symbolizes prosperity ("fa fa") or everlasting love ("jiu jiu"). Round numbers like $38,000 or $58,000 are also popular choices. Always give in even numbers to represent the blessing of unity and togetherness.

Introducing "Hei Yue" – A Chinese Wedding Brand

"Hei Yue" is a heartfelt Chinese wedding brand proudly created by Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, dedicated to preserving tradition and celebrating Chinese culture. Embracing the values of evolving with the times, staying connected to society, and serving our customers with heart, we are committed to expanding our offerings and partnerships related to Chinese weddings. Our goal is to become a one-stop platform for all things wedding.

"Hei Yue" focuses on providing engaged couples with a full range of Chinese wedding products, services, and guidance—including Guo Da Li gift sets and premium imported fruit baskets. Our packages are thoughtfully designed, flexible, and affordably priced, making it easy for every couple to honor traditional customs with elegance and ease. Choose "Hei Yue" to begin your joyful wedding journey—where every detail is filled with meaning, tradition, and blessing.
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