One-child policy helped nation, leaders say, but others point to families' suffering

Communist Party leaders have praised the one-child policy for preventing the mainland population spiralling out of control.

But critics say it has created a generation of spoilt brats and reinforced a cultural preference for male heirs who can better take care of their parents in old age - if couples are allowed only one child, many want a boy.

"The parents put all their eggs in one basket," said Huang Zheng, born in 1980. "This generation carries the burden of too much pressure. But it has already become the norm - everyone is in the same situation."

Growing up as an only child brings added pressure to meet parental expectations, many say, not to mention pressure from grandparents who may have just one grandchild to dote on.

Zhang Bowen, born in 1985, said modern life on the mainland presented double stress - as an only child, he alone is responsible for the welfare of his wife and child and his parents.

"I would like to have had a sister or a brother," he said. "Because I would have felt less lonely when I was growing up ... As your parents get older, it would be good to have brothers and sisters to share the responsibilities."

While taking pictures of children and their parents for this story, some were very shy, as though not used to company, while others jumped into poses straight away, as if they were used to hamming it up for the camera. One child born in 2008, without any encouragement, immediately started doing kung fu moves.