Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
The Shanghai Marriage Market – An engrossing experience!

The Shanghai Marriage Market – An engrossing experience!

Written by Candice SongUpdated Jan. 28, 2021
Shanghai Marriage Market Video

Walk into the famous People's Park in People's Square (on Metro Line 2) — the heart of Shanghai City — on any weekend between 12 pm and 5 pm, and you will see something strange — a huge gathering of people which is the bustling Marriage Market.

At first glance of this crowd, the author thought it to be some real-estate brokering day event of sorts, but realized this to be more on the lines of a marriage brokering weekly event where desperate parents and grandparents are milling about, looking for a mate for their unmarried offspring. 

It may sound quite crude, but actually this is traditional and a regular activity for the middle aged and the elderly folks. China Highlights was curious to know more about what exactly goes on there.

What Goes On

Shanghai Renming Park

We found that most of the folks there were anxious mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts and even grandparents looking for a good match for their sons and daughters of marriageable age (which is open to debate). We have to warn you that this section of the park can get very crowded at this time.

But it is a one of a kind experience that fascinates you as you walk through scores of pamphlets (snapshot biographies) lining up the pathways and animated parents and grandparents involved in heated discussions and 'brokering' marriage deals, wondering what special qualities of the brides and grooms are being advertised. 

We even spotted a fortune teller — possibly reading out the fates of some lucky fellow.

People line up here, sitting on the ground with biographies stuck on umbrellas (making it their private stalls), discussing futures of young people, who, in all probability, are not too happy with this arrangement. We didn't really see any eager-to-be bride or groom and suspect the enthusiasm is fueled purely by the parents.

The pamphlet biographies include details such as birthdays, height, weight, hobbies, job of the candidates and figures that seemed like monthly incomes of the candidates. Some may even have a photo, giving it a real life dating website feel in a funny way. 

Don't feel strange if you get eyed from top to bottom there by curious mothers. We thought it was a good way to pass some time, observing serious conversations amid hordes of 'marriage agents'.

Shanghai Renming Park

Nearby Bar

If you get hungry or want to grab a beer, drop into the famous Barbarossa — a Moroccan lounge bar and a restaurant inside People's Park. They have a 50% off happy hour deal daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. 

Explore Shanghai with China Highlights

China Highlights helps you create your very own trip. You can visit the marriage market and do much more with your day, by planning better with the help of our various itineraries. We hope our suggestions help you get the most out of your Shanghai experience. Feel free to ask our knowledgeable travel advisors and guides for further assistance.

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on