A county in eastern China is providing couples a "reward" of 1,000 yuan (Ksh. 19,920) if the bride is 25 or younger, the latest initiative to encourage young people to marry amid growing worry over a dwindling birth rate.

The post, published last week on Changshan County's official WeChat account, stated that the award was intended to promote "age-appropriate marriage and childbearing" for first marriages. It also offered childcare, fertility, and education payments for married couples with children.

Concerned with China's first population reduction in six decades and its rapidly aging population, authorities are rushing to implement many birth-inducing policies, including financial incentives and improved childcare facilities.


The legal marriage age in China is 22 for males and 20 for girls. However, the number of couples marrying has been declining. Birth rates have fallen because of official measures that make it more difficult for unmarried women to have children.

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According to government figures issued in June, marriage rates will reach a new low of 6.8 million in 2022, the lowest since 1986. Last year, there were 800,000 fewer marriages than in 2021.

According to state media, China's fertility rate, which is already among the lowest in the world, is expected to reach a new low of 1.09 in 2022.


High daycare costs and the inability to continue working have discouraged many women from having additional children. Gender inequality and traditional assumptions of mothers caring for their children persist nationwide.

Low consumer confidence and growing concerns about the health of China's economy are also significant reasons given by young Chinese for their refusal to marry and have children.

(1 Chinese yuan = 19.92 Ksh)