BEIJING, July 12 (RIA Novosti) - Bao Xishun, 56, the world's tallest man according to Guinness World Records, standing 2.36 meters (7 feet 9 inches) tall, married in China Thursday, local media reported.

Bao Xishun, a herdsman from Inner Mongolia (northern China), tied the knot with Xia Shujuan, who is 30 years his junior. Although of above average height in her region, she stands 68 cm (2 feet 3 inches) below her new husband. The wedding followed a traditional Mongolian rite dating back to the 13th century.

The giant announced his intention to get married in April. Due to widespread publicity in China, the groom received substantial financing for the old-style ceremony.

Chinese media quoted the newlyweds as saying they planned to open their own shop and live a happy and quiet life.

Bao Xishun hit the international headlines last year when he used his long right arm to save two dolphins, retrieving debris from their stomachs.