Editor's Note:
Song Bo was convinced he would never have a family. Diagnosed with arachnoid cysts in 2011, the 3D game designer from Tianjin experienced serious headaches that left him with depression and little hope for a normal life.
Song chose to forego high-risk surgery and stopped treatment. He later broke up with his girlfriend, convinced he would not be able to care for her.
However, change came in January this year when Song purchased a lifelike love doll for 14,000 yuan ($2,260) on e-commerce site Taobao.com.
He has since taken his new “daughter” Xiao Die (meaning “little butterfly”) everywhere he goes, often posting photos of the two together on social media.
Though unusual, the doll seems to have made a positive impact on Song’s life.
Xiao Die relaxes in a hot springs on May 11, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song puts shoes on Xiao Die while doing a photo shoot in a park on May 8, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “dangxiaoshi” 
Xiao Die visits a water park on May 7, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song poses with Xiao Die for a photo at home on May 3, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song feeds Xiao Die fruit in the bath on May 2, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Xiao Die visits an aquarium on April 30, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song and Xiao Die visit the movies on April 24, 2015. Song bought a ticket for Xiao Die. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song and Xiao Die go shopping on April 22, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Xiao Die gets a haircut at a salon on April 20, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Xiao Die poses with packages Song bought for her online on April 19, 2015. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Xiao Die is seated among gifts sent from different friends. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian” 
Song never forgets to buckle Xiao Die’s seat belt. Photo: Weibo account “Xiaoyesihualian”
