Chinese philanthropist Chen Guangbiao visited Hsinchu County on Thursday and distributed nearly 7 million NT dollars' worth of "red envelopes" to more than 300 underprivileged recipients.

Chinese philanthropist Chen Guangbiao arrived in Hsinchu County on Thursday with checks and red envelopes.

After presenting a women's organization with a 4 million NT check, Chen donated 600,000 RMB to purchase school lunches for disadvantaged children.

Hoping to maximize the impact of Chen's donations, the Hsinchu County Government arranged for social welfare groups to receive checks on stage while volunteers distributed red envelopes to 315 low-income families off stage.

The local government had planned on presenting Chen with honorary county residency, but was afraid of the move being politicized.

In the end, county officials settled for giving Chen a "thank-you" plaque.

Outside, many people had gathered in the hopes of receiving red envelopes from Chen.

A woman that had met Chen earlier in Taipei and received three red envelopes from him followed him all the way to Hsinchu, and had to receive help from the police when she was pushed to the ground.

Chen expressed regret over the scene, but said that his determination to help those in need remained unchanged.