Cities vie for a slice of cake as marriage rules ease

Chinese couples are now tying the knot in their favorite cities nationwide, with the country revising its marriage registration regulation to ease the documentation process, and this paradigm shift in rules has become the icing on the wedding cake for the local economy.

As lovebirds rush to register their union at the place where they first met, where they studied together, or where they pledged their everlasting love, or a place they've never been to before, many cities are offering incentives to cash in on this surge in special visitors.

Some have moved marriage registry offices to parks, historical buildings, or popular scenic spots, while others are offering free tickets or discounts to tourist attractions, or even souvenirs that reflect the local culture as wedding presents.

China's updated marriage registration regulation, which took effect on May 10, allows couples to register their marriage at any eligible registry office nationwide, regardless of their household registration location.

A marriage registry office next to Xuanwu Lake, a tourist attraction in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, is among those climbing the popularity charts, according to Wang Yao, head of the marriage registration center of Xuanwu district civil affairs bureau.

Covering an area of 350 square meters, the office premises feature a marriage registration area, a Chinese-style certification section, space for ceremonies, photo-op spots and even rooms for counseling. For added convenience, a 100 sq m commercial space has been set up near the office. It offers branded jewelry, beverages and wedding services.

"To accommodate a potential surge of couples wanting to register their marriages on May 20 and 21, we plan to open as early as 8 am on Tuesday and Wednesday," Wang said, noting that the dates 5/20 and 5/21 are homophonous with the phrase "I love you" in Chinese.

The Xuanwu registry office has received numerous inquiries and appointments in recent days, both from local residents and visitors. "Most people want to double-check if marriage registration is now indeed possible without household registration books," Wang said.

Nanjing is also offering marriage registrations at its other scenic spots, including the Confucius Temple. At the temple's Xifu Hall, couples can opt for a free Ming-style wedding. The ceremony, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), has created quite a buzz online.

In Zhejiang province, couples can complete the entire process of marriage registration, certification and photography at one stop — the Qiandao Lake Scenic Area in Chun'an county.

The incentives introduced by the county include year-round free admission to major scenic spots such as Qiandao Lake and Longchuan Bay. Those registering their marriage on or after May 10 also get discounts at 17 hospitality and dining establishments, including high-end hotels and trendy restaurants.

"Qiandao Lake boasts an unparalleled landscape," said Huang Yaqin, deputy director of Chun'an culture, radio, television, tourism and sports bureau. "By relocating the marriage registration center to the scenic area, we offer more than just stamping papers."

Huang added that this "sweet economy" will serve as a new engine for local development.

In Hubei province, a marriage registration center has been set up at Luming Park in Xiangyang, where couples can tie the knot amid a sea of roses.

Wang Jinwei, a professor at the School of Tourism Sciences of Beijing International Studies University, said the revised rules reflect improvement in China's public services and its overall system of governance.

This splendid merger of marriage registration and tourism will help boost the local economy and stimulate consumption even during the off-season, he added.