China offers cash rewards to couples to get married and have kids

A Chinese city has announced that it will issue marriage vouchers for couples registering their marriage between October 28 and December 31, part of efforts to boost marriage and birth rates.

The eastern Chinese city of Ningbo is offering eight vouchers totaling 1,000 yuan ($141). The vouchers can be used for services related to wedding, including photography, ceremonies, hotel stays, retail, and other marriage-related expenses.

Officials said that the vouchers are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The move comes as China faces a steep decline in marriages. Last year, registered marriages dropped by nearly 20 percent, the largest decrease on record, as young people cite the high costs of childcare and education as major deterrents.

More than 6.1 million couples married last year, down from 7.68 million the previous year.

Similar initiatives have been launched in other eastern cities, such as Hangzhou and Pinghu, which are also offering cash vouchers to newlyweds until the end of the year.

Boosting interest in marriage and childbirth remains a key concern for Chinese authorities.

The country, with a population of 1.4 billion, is rapidly aging, prompting government campaigns to promote family life.