Women looking for a husband now have a new option to find a mate-one who might be inclined to treat them to a good meal or two.

It all began yesterday at a local French restaurant, where the photos of 16 single women were hung on a wall. Any diner whose matrimonial appetite by the photos was whetted could contact the matchmaking Website 915915.com.cn to get in touch with the potential woman of his dreams.

But only bachelors satisfying the woman's requirements-and pay a fee to the Website-would get her contact information.

This new approach to mating will be promoted at about 40 local restaurants and gymnasiums, where young people gather.

The pictures of the women who end up on the wall are selected from registered members of the Website.

The Website illustrates a growing phenomenon: Well-educated and increasingly affluent young Chinese are having a hard time finding partners.

Many customers browsed the pictures, but quite a few said they wouldn't want to meet their life partner this way. The Website, however, claimed that 10 people had called about the postings.

(Shanghai Daily September 23, 2008)