In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.