World's tallest man gets Married

The world's tallest man has married a woman who is 25 years younger than he is - and two-thirds of his height.

After a global search for a suitable bride, herdsman Bao Xishun ended up marrying a saleswoman from his home city of Chifeng in northern China.

Mr Bao, who stands at 2.36m (7ft 8.95in) tall, tied the knot with Xia Shujian, 29, several days ago.

The 54-year-old gained fame last year when he saved two dolphins by pulling dangerous plastic from their stomachs.

He used his long arms to remove shards that the animals had swallowed at an aquarium in Fushun, north-east China.

News of Mr Bao's wedding has delighted commentators in China.

The Beijing News reported: "After sending out marriage advertisements across the world and going through a long selection process, the efforts have finally paid off."

Mr Bao was confirmed as the world's tallest living man by Guinness World Records last year.

He overtook the previous holder, Radhouane Charbib of Tunisia, by just 2mm.

Guinness World Records say Mr Bao was of normal height until 16 but then put on a spurt that doctors were unable to explain, reaching his full height in seven years.

New rival to world's tallest Man

A new contender for world's tallest man has been discovered in China, after he attended hospital for surgery.

Zhao Liang was measured at 2.46m (just under 8ft 1in) by doctors in Tianjin, where the ex-basketball player was being treated for a foot injury.

It puts him 10cm (3.9in) above the official title-holder, Chinese citizen Bao Xishun, who was first recognised by Guinness World Records in 2005.

Mr Zhao, 27, is now seeking official recognition of his huge stature.

Until Mr Zhao is independently measured by judges from the Guinness team, he cannot be officially considered the world's tallest man.

The current holder, 57-year-old Bao Xishun, stands at 2.36m (7ft 8.95in) tall.

Zhao Liang's career in his home province of Henan was cut short when he injured his foot a decade ago, state media reported.

He was unemployed until 2006, when he started working with a street art troupe and learned to perform magic tricks and play instruments, according to Xinhua news agency.

But the 27-year-old caused a new stir when he walked into the Tianjin hospital, and staff there took his measurements.

Doctors also performed an operation on his foot and said he should make a full recovery within two months.

Mr Zhao does not reportedly suffer any health complications related to his height.

However his parents - who are of average height - have other concerns.

"I am so worried about his marriage, job and his health that my hair has turned white," his mother, Wang Keyun, told Xinhua.

China Picture Moment : World’s Tallest man in China

“Bao Xishun, a herdsman listed by the Guinness World Records as the tallest living man at seven-feet, nine-inches tall, walks with his bride, Xia Shujuan, at a park in Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on July 2, 2007. The couple was married in March and will hold a wedding ceremony in July.”