A Qingdao woman enclosed an IOU note in a red envelope days ago and presented it to one of her best friends as a wedding gift, whipping up heated debate among local residents.

The IOU read "I owe you 200 yuan (US$25) and the debt will be invalid on my wedding day." Li said since the new couple would definitely be invited to her wedding next year, it would be silly for them to trade money.

Some said they would follow Li's example in the future while others thought it inauspicious to receive an IOU. In China wedding guests traditionally give money in red envelops to new married couples.