China Turns Marriage Offices Into Tourist Sites to Boost Births

The Government of China is attempting to reverse a shrinking population and a precipitous fall in marriage rates by transforming government marriage registration offices into romantic tourist destinations. To encourage a birth-friendly society, Beijing loosened regulations to allow couples to register their marriages in any city rather than only their hometowns.

This policy has sparked competition among local governments to attract wedding tourism. Cities like Nanjing have created Romantic Centers featuring photo studios, heart-shaped islands, and traditional outfits. Other regions, including Yunnan and Hainan, are leveraging their mountainous landscapes and beaches to attract couples. Nanjing reported a 15% increase in registrations during the first year of the policy.

Beyond aesthetic changes, the government is pairing these efforts with honeymoon vouchers, cash handouts for newborns, and stricter divorce regulations. However, demographers suggest these initiatives fail to address structural issues, including the high financial burden of raising children and shifting cultural norms among Gen Z.