'Tacky' Chinese boyfriend criticised for making river rafting staff salute girlfriend on her birthday

A man has prompted debate on the internet in China after he paid for a special raft trip down a river to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday and for staff at the attraction to salute the couple as they went past, according to a media report.

Many people said on social media that the move was in bad taste and embarrassing for the workers, the news website Ahwang.cn reported.

The couple, who were not named, took the raft trip in a natural park in Nanzhao county in northern Henan province, the report said.

The man wanted the couple’s boat to be the only one in use and given special treatment so he could impress his girlfriend.

One writer on social media said: “Rich Chinese think they are superior to everyone, they’ll be the death of this country.”

Others defended the couple, saying it was just harmless fun.