As those of the post-1980 generation become the main breadwinners in China, one of the biggest questions is how the country will be able to support old people, who account for an ever growing proportion of the population.

Astrid Krag, the Danish Health Minister, says many other countries including hers face a similar challenge but that it presents an opportunity for China and Denmark to help one another.

"China is so big, while Denmark is so small," Krag says. "But we face the same core challenge from the aging society. In Denmark we have had some experience dealing with the issue, which China can borrow from. China can start from where we are now, and avoid the mistakes we have made."