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June Xia

Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hubei have announced they would extend the duration of the region’s paid marriage leave to 15 days, the latest move from a local government to provide incentives for marriage and slow the country’s decline in birth rates.
The extension, which includes the national minimum of three days, is meant to foster a more “family-friendly society”, according to a document issued by the provincial government on Monday.
“To fully implement national regulations regarding marriage leave…the province will establish a reasonable cost-sharing mechanism,” the document said.
China experienced its first population decline in 60 years in 2022, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting 9.56 million births versus 10.41 million deaths. The fall continued in 2023, but the drop was shallower in 2024 as births saw a slight recovery – partially attributed to parents’ preferences for children born in the auspicious Year of the Dragon.
Statistics for marriage show a sharper descent. In 2024, a severe 20.5 per cent drop was observed in nationwide marriage registrations, with just 6.1 million couples becoming wed.
This represents the steepest annual decline since 1978 – the year records began to be kept – and less than half the peak recorded in 2013, according to data from China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs released in February. Meanwhile, divorce registrations increased slightly to 2.6 million, up 1.1 per cent from 2023.
Despite government campaigns to limit extravagant weddings and exorbitant bride prices to lower the cost of marriage, it is still viewed as a prohibitive expense by many young couples.


This, along with uncertainty about the future, poor job prospects and declining salaries, further dampens their willingness to settle down or have children.
“Many young people simply can’t afford to get married,” said independent demographer He Yafu in a previous interview with the Post.
Last year, Beijing rolled out a series of policies to encourage marriages and births as the country faces demographic decline. As those born during the late 1960s and 1970s retire, the working-age population is shrinking in comparison to this growing elderly cohort, raising concerns over productivity and economic growth.
So far, 28 of China’s provincial-level regions have officially announced or are soliciting public opinion on measures to extend marriage leave.
Sichuan province in the country’s southwest requested public comment in June for an extension of its marriage leave – up to 25 days – and a longer period for maternity leave, with a maximum of 150 days.
In January, Shandong province stipulated that legally wedded residents are entitled to 15 days of marriage leave, with those who participate in a premarital medical examination receiving an additional three days off.
Currently, the provinces with the most marriage leave are Shanxi and Gansu, both offering 30 days. Henan and Heilongjiang provinces provide a maximum of 28 and 25 days respectively, which include optional extensions for couples who undergo a premarital medical examination.


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Hubei province, one of several regions attempting to reverse persistent declines in marriages and births, will provide 15 days of leave for newlyweds


Hubei province, one of several regions attempting to reverse persistent declines in marriages and births, will provide 15 days of leave for newlyweds.


Chinese province quintuples marriage leave to give betrothals a boost

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Hubei province, one of several regions attempting to reverse persistent declines in marriages and births, will provide 15 days of leave for newlyweds

Hubei province, one of several regions attempting to reverse persistent declines in marriages and births, will provide 15 days of leave for newlyweds