Following years of decline, China had a large increase in marriage registrations in 2025. Experts say this is to counteract a growing demographic crisis characterized by population decline and a historically low birth rate.
Approximately 5.15 million couples registered weddings in the first nine months of 2025, according to the data, which represents an 8.5% rise over the same time in 2024.
Shanghai saw a 38.7% increase in marriage registrations, reaching 125,102.
Double-digit increases were also observed in Shenzhen and Suzhou.
The growth was attributed by observers to cultural causes and new marriage-friendly legislation.
To make marriage simpler and more appealing, the Chinese government has enacted a number of reforms.
Enticing guidelines for marriage registration:
- Since May 10, 2025, couples can register their marriage anywhere in China — no longer limited to their place of household registration (hukou).
- Expanded marriage leave: Many provinces introduced longer or more generous leave specifically for newlyweds.
- Promotion of a “sweet economy”: Increased spending on weddings, photography, travel and related industries as part of the broader push to support family formation.
Venezuela Turmoil Could Unlock $100B+ In Oil And Foreign Investment Opportunities
Meanwhile, China’s birth rate fell in 2025 despite an increase in marriages. Last year, there were only roughly 7.92 million births, the fewest since 1949, when these figures were first recorded.
The population decreased by almost 3.39 million as the birth rate dropped to 5.63 births per 1,000 people and the death rate increased to 11.31 million.
Despite government incentives, economic pressures and shifting social attitudes continue to discourage many couples from having children, therefore the marital recovery has not yet resulted in increased births.
Authorities view marriage rises as one part of larger demographic initiatives, but experts caution that they might not be enough if high living, child-rearing, housing, and changing young adult preferences are not addressed.