In a direct response to a dramatic fall in the number of people getting married, authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo have begun offering cash vouchers to couples who tie the knot.
The Voucher Initiative Explained
The scheme, announced by Ningbo's civil affairs department via its official WeChat channel, provides a financial incentive for couples who register their marriage between 28 October and 31 December 2025. Eligible newlyweds will receive eight vouchers with a combined value of 1,000 yuan (approximately £107).
These vouchers are designed to be spent on a range of wedding-related services and products. The statement specified that they can be used for businesses including wedding photography, ceremonies and celebrations, hotel accommodation, and retail.
However, the offer is not unlimited. The local government has emphasised that the vouchers are limited in quantity and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, likely to create a sense of urgency among potential applicants.
A National Drive to Reverse a Worrying Trend
This move by Ningbo is not an isolated case. It forms part of a broader national effort to tackle a significant demographic challenge. The initiative follows the revelation that marriages across China dropped by a record one-fifth last year.
Official figures show a stark decline, with just over 6.1 million couples registering for marriage last year, a significant fall from the 7.68 million recorded a year earlier.
Analysts and the authorities themselves frequently attribute this declining interest in marriage to the immense financial pressures faced by young people. The high costs of childcare and education are consistently cited as major deterrents for couples considering starting a family.
Broader Government Measures to Encourage Families
For the Chinese government, boosting interest in both marriage and childbirth has become a critical policy objective. With a population of 1.4 billion that is aging rapidly, reversing this trend is seen as vital for the country's long-term economic and social stability.
The voucher scheme is one of several measures being deployed. Last year, authorities urged colleges and universities to provide 'love education' programmes, aiming to foster positive views on marriage, love, and family life.
Furthermore, the national government in Beijing has instructed local authorities to direct resources towards fixing the population crisis and to promote public respect for marriages 'at the right age' and childbearing. Other eastern cities, including Hangzhou and Pinghu, have also rolled out similar cash voucher programmes set to run until the end of the year.
