"Party at Clubs, Watch Performances, and Even Register Your Marriage" - China Takes Extraordinary Measures Amid Plummeting Marriage Rates

Chinese Civil Affairs Bureau Launches "Nighttime Marriage Certificate Issuance Experience Project"
Ranks No. 1 in Real-Time Search on Chinese Social Media... Growing Interest Among Young People

China, which is experiencing rapid demographic changes due to a sharp decline in the marriage rate and low birth rates, has introduced extraordinary measures. The country is launching an event where couples can receive marriage certificates in complex cultural spaces that include clubs.

According to Chinese media outlets such as Guangming Daily and Zhejiang Daily on November 5, the Huangpu District Civil Affairs Bureau in Shanghai (the administrative agency responsible for marriage registration) has partnered with INS New Paradise to launch a nighttime marriage certificate issuance experience project. This project will take place every Friday and Saturday from November 14 to 22.

A marriage certificate issuance experience project will be conducted in Shanghai, China. Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau.

This news has attracted significant interest from young people in China, topping real-time search rankings on the Chinese social networking service Weibo with related hashtags.

INS New Paradise is a complex cultural center located within Fuxing Park in Shanghai, where visitors can enjoy clubs, performances, and e-sports. According to reports, an official from the Huangpu District Civil Affairs Bureau will be present to assist with the marriage certificate issuance process.

There are two groups eligible to participate. First are engaged couples who have made a reservation to receive their marriage certificate from the Huangpu District Civil Affairs Bureau during the event period. These couples can officially receive their certificates during the event. The second group includes couples planning to register their marriage in Huangpu District this year. These couples can make marriage registration reservations on-site. A Civil Affairs Bureau official explained, "Actual legal marriage registration and certificate issuance must be completed at the Civil Affairs Bureau," adding, "On-site, only the issuance experience or reservation is possible." The official also stated, "Even when making a registration reservation, we will ensure that couples are sober and not under the influence of alcohol, in order to prevent impulsive decisions as much as possible."

This initiative is interpreted as a measure by China, which has been struggling with low birth rates for several years, to encourage marriage among the younger generation. According to data released by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs in February, the number of marriages in China last year was 6.106 million couples, a decrease of 20.5% compared to the previous year. This is the lowest figure in 45 years since 1978. With the number of births falling below 10 million and the birth rate continuing to decline, China's total population has decreased for three consecutive years. In response to declining marriage and birth rates, China has implemented various policies. Previously, marriage registration was only possible in the household registration area (hukou) of one of the engaged partners, but now marriage-related work can be handled at any registration office nationwide. The culture surrounding the bride price (caili) paid by the groom to the bride and extravagant weddings is also gradually changing. In addition, the Chinese government has decided to provide subsidies and other measures to support couples in getting married and having children.