In a bid to reverse the declining trend of marriages, the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has launched a new initiative offering cash vouchers to newlyweds. Couples who register their marriage between October 28 and December 31, 2025, will receive eight marriage consumption vouchers, totaling 1,000 yuan ($141). These vouchers can be used for wedding-related expenses such as photography, ceremonies, hotel stays, and retail purchases. The initiative, announced by Ningbo’s civil affairs department on its official WeChat account, is part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to encourage young people to marry and start families. Similar programs have been introduced in other eastern cities like Hangzhou and Pinghu, with vouchers available until the end of the year. China’s marriage rates have plummeted, with only 6.1 million couples registering for marriage last year, a significant drop from 7.68 million the previous year. The decline is attributed to the high costs of childcare and education, as well as shifting societal attitudes. To address the issue, the government has implemented various measures, including promoting ‘love education’ in universities and urging local governments to allocate resources to support marriage and childbearing. With China’s population aging rapidly, boosting marriage and birth rates has become a critical priority for policymakers.