The number of Chinese couples marrying in the first half of this year fell to its lowest since 2013, as young people delay nuptials due to economic concerns and rising living costs. This decline, closely tied to birth rates, challenges efforts to boost China’s shrinking population. Data showed 3.43 million marriages in the first six months, 498,000 fewer than last year. Contributing factors include poor job prospects, high marriage costs, fewer young people, a gender imbalance, and changing attitudes towards marriage. Despite a slight increase in 2023, the marriage rate is expected to hit its lowest since 1980. To address this, China’s Civil Affairs University introduced an undergraduate marriage program, which has been met with skepticism. Demographic expert He Yafu suggests that substantial childbirth support policies are needed to reverse the declining birth rate.