The eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has announced cash incentives for newly married couples in an attempt to reverse the country’s rapidly declining marriage rates. Couples who register their marriage between 28 October and 31 December will receive marriage consumption vouchers worth 1,000 yuan (around ₹12,500), the city’s civil affairs department said in an announcement on its official WeChat account.

The package includes eight vouchers that can be used across a range of wedding-related services. These include wedding photography, ceremonies, banquets, hotel stays, retail purchases and other sectors linked to marriage celebrations. Authorities said the vouchers are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ningbo is not alone in its efforts. Other eastern cities, including Hangzhou and Pinghu, have introduced similar measures, offering financial incentives to couples who marry before the end of the year.

China recorded its steepest fall in marriages last year, with registrations dropping by 20 per cent, the largest decline ever reported. Analysts attribute the trend to the rising cost of childcare and education.

For Beijing, the slump in marriage and fertility rates is a critical concern. With a population of around 1.4 billion and one of the fastest-ageing societies in the world, China is under pressure to address its demographic challenges.

Over the past year, authorities have introduced a series of measures aimed at encouraging relationships, marriage and childbearing. These include pushing universities to provide “love education” that promotes positive views on love, marriage, family life and fertility.

Local governments have also been urged to support initiatives that reinforce respect for marrying and having children “at the right age”.

Despite these efforts, only 6.1 million couples registered their marriages last year, a sharp fall from 7.68 million the year before.