Marriage registrations in China decrease, indicating an increasing number of Chinese residents foregoing marriage.
Rewritten Article:
In an attempt to combat dropping marriage rates and prepare for a demographic crisis, the Chinese government has thrown some cash incentives into the mix. With marriage registrations decreasing by 8% in the first three months of 2025 compared to the previous year, local governments are dispensing rewards of up to 40,000 yuan (US$5,487) to inspire young couples to say, "I do."
According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, only 1.81 million couples tied the knot in the first quarter of 2025. Simultaneously, the number of divorce registrations experienced a 10% surge. These dismal marriage stats, combined with the country's low birth rates and shrinking population, are causing concern in an economy already battling challenges.
Last year, China saw a record low in new marriages since 1980, with only 6.10 million couples tying the knot in 2024. This number represented a 20.5% decrease from 2023, as per the ministry.
To encourage marriage or slow this alarming trend, China has taken steps to streamline its marriage registration process. Starting May 10, couples will be able to register their marriages without returning to their permanent residence locations. Additionally, the tedious household registration booklet is no longer a requirement. This simplification is expected to make things easier for those living away from their official hometowns.
However, according to independent demographer He Yafu, the simplified process might only offer limited help. He argues that the root of the issue lies in the soaring costs associated with marriage and child-rearing. If the government truly wants to boost marriage rates, they need to tackle these economic burdens.
Recognizing the need for economic relief, local governments are offering cash incentives to young couples getting hitched. For example, in Luliang of Shanxi province, grants of 1,500 yuan are given to previously unwed couples if the bride is 35 or younger upon registration. In Guangzhou, one village is dishing out up to 40,000 yuan for first-time marriages among local residents, provided the couple remains married for at least one year.
Innovative marriage registration venues have popped up in shopping malls, tourist attractions, parks, and even on metro stations to appeal to the modern young couple. Hefei, in particular, has drawn attention for its metro station-based marriage center, which has registered over 2,000 couples since its inception last year.
The country now boasts over 270 marriage registration venues in its parks, according to the ministry. To further shore up family growth, China is experimenting with policies in support of childbirth, such as subsidizing employers' social insurance contributions during female employees' maternity leave and establishing a nationwide childcare subsidy system.
- The Chinese government is offering cash incentives to increase marriages, aiming to combat dropping rates and prepare for a demographic crisis.
- In 2025, marriage registrations decreased by 8%, while divorce registrations increased by 10%.
- Only 1.81 million couples got married in the first quarter of 2025, a significant decrease compared to previous years.
- China had a record low in new marriages in 2024, with only 6.10 million couples tying the knot.
- To simplify marriage registration, couples no longer need to return to their permanent residence locations or fill out a household registration booklet.
- Independent demographer He Yafu argues that the high costs associated with marriage and child-rearing are the root of the issue.
- Local governments are providing cash incentives, such as 1,500 yuan grants in Luliang, Shanxi province, for first-time marriages.
- In Guangzhou, up to 40,000 yuan is given to first-time married couples who remain together for at least one year.
- Innovative marriage registration venues have been set up in shopping malls, tourist attractions, parks, and metro stations.
- Hefei, in particular, has registered over 2,000 couples at its metro station-based marriage center.
- China now has over 270 marriage registration venues in parks.
- To support childbirth, China is experimenting with policies, such as subsidizing employers' social insurance contributions during female employees' maternity leave.
- China is also establishing a nationwide childcare subsidy system to promote family growth.
- On the health and wellness front, there's a growing emphasis on workplace-wellness, including mental-health therapies, fitness-and-exercise programs, and nutrition counseling for family health.
- Women's health is also a focus, with initiatives for women's nutrition, womens-health screenings, and parenting support.
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- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, governing bodies are addressing issues such as migration, war-and-conflicts, and responsible-gambling policies.
- The finance sector includes industries like casino-and-gambling, with gambling trends in games like blackjack, big-wins, slots, lotteries, and poker being closely monitored.
- Las Vegas, a hub for casino culture, has a rich history and is associated with many myths and legends.
- In sports, popular events include football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and even lesser-known European leagues.
- The Champions League, NFL, WNBA, and NBA are major tournaments that attract global attention.
- European leagues, such as Serie A, Laliga, and the Premier League, also garner significant interest.
- American football, in the form of the NCAAs and professional leagues, is another popular sport.
- In the sports world, accidents, crime-and-justice, and crime-prevention measures are issues that are frequently discussed.
- Responsible gambling is a crucial aspect of the casino industry, with measures being taken to combat problem gambling and promote responsible gaming.
- Science and technology have a significant impact on various aspects of life, from fitness-and-exercise equipment to communication devices.
- Lifestyle choices, from diet and exercise to career and relationships, have a profound effect on a person's overall health and well-being.
- Family dynamics, wealth management, and personal finance are interconnected, with each playing a crucial role in supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
- Love, relationships, and mental health are integral parts of life, requiring care, attention, and continuous learning.
