The man had accidentally discarded a takeaway bag containing the cash, which he and his fiancée had saved over several years.

He told South China Morning Post: “I lost my mind after knowing that my money went missing. My mind was a blank.”

After realising his mistake, the distraught man contacted the property management for help. Seven workers then spent six hours meticulously searching through the vast quantity of waste. Miraculously, they managed to locate and return the entire sum.

The couple expressed their gratitude, offering the workers some money as a token of appreciation. Local authorities also rewarded the workers’ efforts with a 5,000 yuan (c. £560) payment.

“Without you all, we won’t be able to get our money back,” the man’s fiancée said. “You all gave me another chance to live. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”