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Match-making fair attracts thousands in Shanghai

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A public matchmaking fair in Shanghai at the weekend attracted about 10,000 singles with 4,000 of their family members and friends also participating. The two-day event, for Chinese nationals only, was the eastern city’s largest ever matchmaking party.

Searching for love - Single women were up against stiff competition, with a ratio of three women to two men. The figure reflects a growing trend in the country, as many successful women are unwilling to choose partners inferior in education levels and standards of living. But some do not buy the idea.

Zhu Tianwei, a participant, said, “If we can relate well with each other, there should also be good chemistry. Then the issue of social status will no longer be a problem."

The organizer has another explanation for the rising number of unmarried women in the city. Zhou Juemin, president of Shanghai Matchmaking Association, said, "Girls are much more independent. There’s a lot of work pressure, so many girls are busy with their jobs and perhaps tend to consider their careers above marriage."

There have been some changes in young men’s mindsets in searching for love, which may run counter to traditional soul-searching ideas.

Li Jianxun, a participant, said, “I wouldn’t mind pursuing girls with a higher education level or a better standard of living. As long as the feelings are mutual, it is still possible to interact and get to know each other."

Around 3,000 parents were a special force at the event; they were offered a special corner to advertise their unmarried children. Parents kept an eye out for suitable future in-laws, with a different view than youngsters.

Qi Xiong, a parent, said, "If your education level or your income is too high as a girl, we’re more likely to oppose the idea. A huge difference between education levels will make it difficult to communicate."

Census data shows a rise in the percentage of older single women over the last decade, while the percentage of older single men has fallen. With an increase of female "leftovers" in the city, the organizer says the fair will be held once or twice each year in the future.