Shanghai Marriage Registrations Surge Amid Unique Reasons and Debates

This trend is not limited to Shanghai, as multiple cities across China have experienced a surge in marriage registration data in 2023. However, the reasons behind this increase are diverse and somewhat unexpected.
One of the more peculiar reasons, as suggested by some Weibo users, is the belief that babies born during the Year of the Dragon will be blessed with prosperity and good fortune, as reflected in this comment: "Because it's the year of the dragon, many believe that babies born this year will be lucky dragons and phoenixes, and will no longer have to work as oxen or monkeys."
Some Weibo users are encouraging people to get married by sharing memes and jokes. For example, one user commented: "They say if you're not getting married, you're still young," referring to a popular meme comparing getting older to running out of time to get married.
Another user expressed excitement and hope for the future, saying, "I hope more and more loving couples will become a family. Regarding the past, be indifferent; appreciate the present and believe in the future. Give yourself faith, and there's nothing to fear in life."
According to Upstream News, the surge in marriage registrations has also led to a rise in divorce cases, with some media outlets reporting on local residents who lie about their marital status on social media platforms. For example, one woman was caught lying about her divorce in order to gain attention and sympathy from others.
When it comes to the legal aspects of getting married, there are certain conditions that must be met in order to register. These include: 1) the male must be at least 22 years old, and the female must be at least 20 years old; 2) both parties must consent to the marriage; 3) both parties must not have a spouse (single, widowed, or divorced); and 4) both parties must not have any direct blood relatives or three generations of collateral relatives.
One Weibo user provided a more detailed breakdown of the conditions for marriage registration: "The conditions include: 1) the male must be at least 22 years old, and the female must be at least 20 years old; 2) both parties must voluntarily enter into marriage; 3) both parties must have no spouse (single, divorced, or widowed); and 4) both parties must have no direct blood relatives or three generations of collateral relatives."
In addition to understanding the legal requirements for marriage registration, couples should also be aware of how their assets will be divided in case of divorce. According to the Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China, marital property is split between both parties, unless otherwise agreed in writing. This means that assets acquired before the marriage remain the property of each individual, while those acquired during the marriage are considered joint assets.
As the number of marriage registrations continues to surge in China, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in the years to come. However, one thing is clear: getting married is a significant life event that requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding the legal and financial implications of marriage, couples can make informed decisions that will help ensure their future happiness and stability.
In conclusion, the recent increase in marriage registration data in Shanghai and across China has sparked a range of reactions and debates on social media. While the reasons behind this surge are varied and sometimes unexpected, it is clear that getting married is a significant life event that requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding the legal and financial implications of marriage registration and asset division in case of divorce, couples can make informed decisions that will help ensure their future happiness and stability.