China Civil Affairs University has made a groundbreaking move by establishing the first-ever university degree program focused on marriage services and management in the country. This initiative aims to cultivate skilled professionals across numerous facets of the marriage industry, including matchmaking and counseling services. According to Yu Xiaohui, the dean of the university's wedding culture and media arts college, the undergraduate program encompasses a diverse range of subjects. Students will study management, sociology, economics specific to the marriage industry, family ethics, and essential practical skills such as flower arranging, event hosting, and photography.

The university's campus in Beijing will also feature a marriage customs exhibition center, providing students with dedicated training studios to hone their skills. Partnerships with local civil affairs authorities, wedding culture associations, and prominent wedding planning firms will facilitate internship opportunities for students. Graduates of this innovative program are anticipated to pursue careers as marriage registration personnel, wedding planners, matchmakers, and family counselors. The first cohort, consisting of 68 students, began their semester this September, marking a significant step in addressing the evolving perceptions of marriage among the younger demographic.

In 2023, China recorded approximately 7.68 million marriages, showing an increase of over 12 percent from the prior year, breaking a decade-long decline, as reported by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Experts suggest this rise may be attributed to the post-pandemic recovery, although it is expected to be temporary. By the end of September this year, around 4.7 million marriages had been registered, reflecting a decrease compared to the previous year's statistics.

One freshman, Huang Jie, expressed his ambition to become a matchmaker, inspired by his sister’s experiences with family-arranged blind dates that were unsuccessful. He acknowledges her desire for a partner that resonates with her emotionally and spiritually, and hopes future matchmaking can occur in a more relaxed environment, enabling professionals to effectively assist individuals in their search for meaningful connections.

Another student, Zhang Mengzhuo, emphasized the demand among newlyweds for incorporating traditional Chinese customs into their weddings. She is keen on learning about family finance management and family psychology, with aspirations of working in a marriage registration office upon graduation. Dean Yu highlighted the current shortage of specialists in the marriage sector, stating that existing educational programs are insufficient to fulfill society's requirements. There is a clear need for comprehensive training that covers various aspects of romantic relationships and provides students with a thorough understanding of marriage and family counseling.