Local Perspective China on Rising Singlehood Among Youth
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
China's youth are increasingly choosing to stay single — and it's not just a trend, it's a transformation. From soaring housing prices to workplace burnout, young adults across cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are redefining what it means to be fulfilled. Love? Maybe later. Self-growth? Right now.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A 2023 survey by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences revealed that over 58% of urban millennials and Gen Zers under 30 have no plans to marry in the next five years. That’s up from just 31% a decade ago. Meanwhile, the national marriage rate has dropped for nine straight years, hitting a historic low of 4.8 marriages per 1,000 people in 2022 (down from 9.9 in 2013).
| Year | Marriage Rate (per 1,000 people) | Divorce Rate (per 1,000 people) | First Marriage Age (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 9.9 | 2.6 | 24.8 |
| 2018 | 7.3 | 3.2 | 26.5 |
| 2022 | 4.8 | 3.1 | 28.7 |
Why Are Young Chinese Saying 'No Thanks' to Marriage?
- Economic Pressure: In Tier-1 cities, the average home price exceeds 80 times the annual income. No apartment? Good luck winning over traditional parents.
- Work-Life Imbalance: With "996" culture (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week) still rampant, who has time to date?
- Gender Expectations: Many women reject marriage due to fears of career setbacks and unequal domestic burdens.
- Higher Education & Independence: More women than ever hold advanced degrees and stable incomes — they’re not rushing into partnerships for financial security.
It’s Not Just About Romance — It’s About Freedom
In interviews across Hangzhou and Chengdu, young professionals described singlehood as "peaceful liberation." One 27-year-old tech worker said, "I’d rather spend weekends hiking or learning guitar than sitting through awkward blind dates set up by my aunt." This mindset reflects a broader cultural shift: personal fulfillment is replacing filial duty as life’s top priority.
The Rise of the 'Single Economy'
Businesses are catching on. From one-person hotpot restaurants to solo travel packages, China’s "single economy" is booming. Meituan reports a 150% increase in single-serving dining orders since 2020. Even housing developers now market "micro-apartments" tailored to singles.
What’s Next?
While the government promotes marriage and childbirth to combat aging, real change starts with social acceptance. As urban youth continue prioritizing self-development, mental health, and financial stability, singlehood isn’t a crisis — it’s a conscious choice. And honestly? It might just be the most empowered generation yet.