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China recently took on a new initiative by launching the state-sponsored matchmaking app Palm Guixi in Guixi, a city with approximately 640,000 residents. The innovative platform uses personal data of single individuals to enhance matchmaking opportunities amid concerns about decreasing marriage rates.
The Palm Guixi application features an organized blind date service as part of the Jiangxi province-wide effort to increase marriage rates that have been declining nationwide for over a decade. In 2021, the national average was 5.4 marriages per thousand people compared with an estimated six in the United States.
Beyond digital matchmaking, Jiangxi is also fostering offline interactions through various social events. For instance, Gao'an city recently hosted an event at Ruizhou Fuya park where about 100 young singles could partake in cultural activities such as dressing in traditional attire and engaging in games to connect with each other, all while appreciating the depth of Chinese culture.
A significant aspect of this pilot project focuses on combating inflated bride prices, which have been a long-standing issue particularly in rural areas. While China's Civil Code prohibits demanding money or gifts connected to marriage, the practice is still prevalent and was highest in Jiangxi province in 2022 with an average cost reported as 380,000 yuan $45,000.
The campgn agnst high bride prices involves public awareness and limitations on extravagant wedding ceremonies and feasts. Shicheng county has notably managed to eliminate betrothal gifts virtually.
Public responses to the state-backed matchmaking initiative have been varied, with some Weibo users connecting it to China's efforts to boost falling birth rates. It was humorously commented upon that Chinese people should breed like pigs.
In summary, this proactive approach by Jiangxi showcases an innovative bl of digital technology and cultural events med at boosting marriage rates in the face of declining trs.
Explore more on these topics:
China Marriage Apps Social Media Dating Asia Pacific
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This article is reproduced from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/20/state-sponsored-matchmaking-app-launched-in-china
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State Sponsored Matchmaking App Palm Guixi Digital Platform for Marriage Rates Boost Online Blind Date Service in Jiangxi Province Offline Social Events to Increase Marriages Campaign Against High Bride Prices Government Efforts in Chinese Culture Preservation