China has witnessed a significant drop in marriage registrations, with only 1.81 million marriages recorded in the first quarter of this year. This represents an 8 percent decline compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. After a brief rebound in 2023, following nine consecutive years of decline, the trend resumed in 2024, marking the lowest number of marriage registrations in China since 1980.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including a shrinking population in the age group traditionally suited for marriage, evolving societal perceptions of marriage, and increasing financial concerns about the costs associated with tying the knot.
Shrinking Marriage Pool and Changing Attitudes
Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the Institute for Population and Development Studies at Xi’an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province, pointed to the shrinking birth rates in China as a key driver behind the decline in marriage registrations. “In the 1980s, more than 20 million people were born each year in China, but since 2000, that number has dropped to just over 10 million annually. Naturally, the base number for marriage registrations is much lower now,” he explained.
Li Ting, a population expert at Renmin University of China, highlighted that higher levels of education and a growing sense of individualism have significantly altered traditional views on marriage. “Nowadays, master’s students are already 25 or 26 by the time they graduate, and PhD graduates are usually close to 30 — even older if they spend a few years working first,” said Tan Kejian, a researcher at the Shanxi Academy of Social Sciences.
Li Ting also noted that many young people are postponing marriage until they are ready to have children. “In the past, young people often got married around the time they graduated or started working, but now many won’t consider marriage until they’re planning to have children,” she explained.
The Rise of Singlehood
For some young people, remaining single is becoming an intentional lifestyle choice. Many individuals, particularly on social media platforms like Weibo, have expressed that the freedom of single life is something they cherish. One user commented, “If I were married, there’s no way I’d enjoy the kind of freedom I have now.” Another shared, “If I can’t find the right person, I’d rather stay single than settle.”
Life pressures, such as the demanding nature of raising children, have also contributed to this shift in mindset. Some young people have noted that raising a child can be exhausting and often requires the involvement of the entire extended family.
Sociologist Li Yinhe believes that the increase in single individuals is closely linked to China’s ongoing urbanization and modernization. “In the past, women who didn’t marry often had no means of supporting themselves. But today, women are fully capable of earning a living on their own and no longer need to rely on men. As a result, the desire to marry has dropped significantly compared to earlier times,” she said.
Impact on Birth Rates
While society has become more accepting of individuals living alone, the sharp decline in marriage rates has raised concerns about the country’s falling birth rates. These demographic shifts are causing growing anxiety among policymakers, as fewer marriages translate to fewer births, which in turn could have long-term consequences for China’s population and economy.
Government Incentives to Encourage Marriage
To counteract the declining marriage rates, authorities across China have introduced various incentives aimed at promoting marriage. Earlier this month, the government revised its marriage registration rules, simplifying the paperwork and providing couples with more flexibility in choosing where to register their union. These changes will take effect on May 10 this year.
In addition to these regulatory updates, some regions have begun offering financial incentives to encourage marriage. For example, in a village in Guangzhou, newlywed couples can apply for a bonus of up to 40,000 yuan ($5,490). Similarly, women who marry at or under the age of 35 in Lyuliang, Shanxi province, are eligible for a 1,500 yuan bonus. Furthermore, eastern Zhejiang province has extended its paid marriage leave from three to 13 days.
The Emergence of the “Singles Economy”
As single life becomes more popular, the “singles economy” is gaining traction in China. More and more restaurants are offering single-serving meals, the market for single-person apartments is thriving, and compact home appliances and kitchenware are increasingly in demand. Customized solo travel packages and one-person wedding photo shoots are also seeing rising popularity.
Li Ting noted that the trend of choosing to remain single is not unique to China. Over the past few decades, countries like South Korea and Japan have also seen an increase in the rate of people opting to stay single for life. This trend could be an indication of what the future holds for marriage in China.
