After Cash Incentives and Up to 30 Days of Leave for Marriage, Number of Marriages in China Rebounds

Marriage Promotion Policies Rolled Out Across Regions
Number of Marriages Increases by 405,000 Compared to Last Year

Chinese media have reported that the number of marriages in China, which had been declining in recent years, rebounded this year.

On November 6, several Chinese outlets, including Zhonghua Net, cited data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, reporting that "from January to September this year, 5,152,000 couples registered their marriages, an increase of 405,000 couples compared to 4,747,000 couples during the same period last year."

In recent years, China has implemented various policies to encourage marriage and childbirth at an appropriate age. In particular, so-called "marriage leave," a policy granting time off for newlyweds, has been introduced in many regions. In Shanxi Province and Gansu Province, couples can receive up to 30 days of leave.

The marriage registration process has also been simplified. Previously, newlyweds had to travel to one partner's hometown to receive a marriage certificate, but since May this year, marriage registration has become possible anywhere in the country. Ding Changfa, a professor of economics at Xiamen University, commented that this policy "not only reduces economic and time costs but also makes those preparing for marriage feel much more at ease."

With nationwide marriage registration now available, couples can even get married while traveling. Cities and scenic spots across China have established "marriage registration landmarks" to boost local tourism. Notably, on August 29 this year, the traditional Chinese festival Qixi, Shanghai alone saw 2,310 couples register their marriages, setting a ten-year record.

Various regions are also introducing policies to encourage marriage. In Shanxi Province, women aged 35 or younger who get married from this year receive 1,500 yuan (about 280,000 won). Guangzhou and Dongguan in Guangdong Province have also introduced marriage incentive policies, providing cash and gifts to newlyweds.

Meanwhile, in China last year, only 6,106,000 couples got married, marking a record low. This figure represents a decline of more than 20% in just one year. The birth rate is also plummeting, causing rapid changes in the population size.