How did adoption work in China?

China has a long and intricate history with adoption. During imperial times, families who did not have any sons would adopt boys, oftentimes nephews, to continue the male lineage. Both boys and girls were adopted formally and informally, usually becoming fully integrated into their adoptive families.

Why did China need international adoption?

The idea that China desperately needed international adoption because domestic adoption was nonexistent is blatantly untrue. China has a long and intricate history with adoption. During imperial times, families who did not have any sons would adopt boys, oftentimes nephews, to continue the male lineage.

Is China a good place to adopt a child?

China has been the top source of international adoptions for American parents for years. Beijing is generally assumed to run a clean program with orphanages that are above board and children who've actually been abandoned.