Wang Haidong, Director-general of the Department of Family Development in China's National Health and Family Planning Commission, speaks at a press conference on May 13, 2015 to discuss the latest findings of the department. [Photo: China.org.cn]

A report released by China's National Health and Family Planning Commission says that Chinese family structure has changed over the years, with nuclear families becoming more common. It also sheds light on a widening income gap between families.

According to the report, two-people and three-people families represent the most common family structure in China. Such families account for more than 60% of Chinese households.

Meanwhile, single person households, empty-nest families, which refer to old people living without their children, and DINK (Double income no kids) families are on the rise.

Migrant families and families where children have been left behind in rural areas also become more common. The report says 20 % of families in the country have one or more members working as a migrant worker in another city or country.

As for household income, the top 20% of families earn 19 times higher than the lowest 20% of families in China. Family income in east China is around 2.7 times higher than that in central and west China.

Demand for health care facilities for the elderly still remains strong. The elderly mostly rely on family members and on their own savings to pay for their healthcare after retirement.