In China, parents of unmarried individuals are gathering at in-person dating events due to a marriage crisis and declining birth rates. These gatherings, known as “marriage markets,” see hundreds of eager parents convening in parks to find suitable partners for their adult children.
Participants at these markets present paper résumés detailing essential information about their single offspring, such as gender, age, height, occupation, and sometimes weight and income. Specific criteria for potential matches are listed, including preferences like height, weight, age, and lifestyle habits.
The history of these markets traces back to China’s one-child policy era, aimed at controlling population growth. Despite the policy’s repeal in 2015, its impact lingers, with a gender imbalance favoring women due to better educational opportunities for single daughters.
To address declining birth rates, the government now encourages childbirth through subsidies, as the number of registered marriages remains low compared to the country’s population. Amidst this backdrop, individuals like Zhang Jing, a 34-year-old sales professional, struggle to find partners meeting their criteria regarding income and homeownership.
One participant, Huang Weiming, 36, shared his profile at a market, highlighting his height, profession, income, and assets. He expressed frustration at meeting the expectations set by potential partners and acknowledged the challenges of finding a suitable match.
Despite the limited success stories, these markets persist across various Chinese cities, serving as social spaces for retirees to socialize and discuss the evolving dynamics of modern relationships.