"If you love him, send him to New York, for it's heaven; if you hate him, send him to New York, for it's hell."

The famous line from the classic Chinese TV drama "A native of Beijing in New York" perhaps also applies to Beijing, the mega city with a population of more than 20 million.

The city is sometimes depicted as a wonderland of opportunity where your wildest imagination can come true. But at the same time, countless people flee the city with a tired body and a broken heart.

Amid tears and laughter countless ordinary yet unforgettable love stories take place in the metropolis everyday. Whether ordinary or earth-shattering, love is a precious commodity in the concrete jungle. Here is a look at 18 couples and their bittersweet life in Beijing, a series that was originally published on QQ.com, an instant messaging service.

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Liu Yang was working as a security guard where Cao Huimin was living. They fell in love and have never separated despite many hardships. [Photo/QQ.com]