China has recorded a historically low number of registered marriages, Bloomberg reports, citing data from the country’s Ministry of Civil Affairs.
In the first quarter of 2026, 1.697 million couples registered marriages, about 6.2% lower compared to the same period last year. The figure is also below pandemic-era levels, when first-quarter registrations exceeded 2 million.
Meanwhile, the number of divorces remained largely stable. Around 622,000 divorces were registered during the reporting period, consistent with previous years.
According to the agency, the decline in marriages alongside stable divorce numbers has pushed the divorce-to-marriage ratio close to historic highs. Analysts say this reflects growing demographic pressure facing the world’s second-largest economy.
Bloomberg noted that the first quarter is traditionally the peak season for weddings in China due to Lunar New Year celebrations. As a result, the weak figures are seen as likely reflecting structural rather than temporary changes.
The trend is also raising concerns about China’s aging population and its potential impact on housing demand, consumer spending, and long-term economic growth.
By Jeyhun Aghazada
