(Yicai) Nov. 5 -- China recorded a 9 percent increase in new marriages in the first three quarters of this year from a year ago, according to official data. Industry experts attributed the rise to supportive government policies.

The number of new marriage registrations reached almost 5.2 million couples in the first three quarters of this year, an increase of 405,000 from the same period last year, the latest data from China’s civil affairs ministry showed.

In recent years, China has encouraged marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages while improving social support systems for families. So far, 29 provinces have extended marriage leave, with Shanxi and Gansu offering the longest duration of up to 30 days.

The convenience of marriage registration has also improved. The revised regulation on marriage registration, effective May 10, removed regional restrictions, allowing couples to register their marriage anywhere in the country without returning to their place of origin.

Ding Changfa, an associate professor at the School of Economics of Xiamen University, said the reform reduces both economic and time costs for residents living outside their registered domicile, enhancing their sense of well-being.

Following the nationwide implementation, many cities and tourist destinations have developed “new landmarks for obtaining marriage certificates” and are promoting wedding tourism, allowing couples to get married while traveling. In addition, some local governments in provinces such as Zhejiang, Hunan, and Shanxi have introduced cash incentives or vouchers to encourage marriage.

Editor: Emmi Laine