Students seek a higher degree of love

Changing perceptions

The report, conducted in November and December, surveyed 9,800 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees, with the average age of respondents being 20.3 years.

"The fundamental value of marriage and family has changed in the eyes of college students. Instead of seeing it as a source of financial security, they expect marriage to provide emotional and spiritual satisfaction," Li Ting, a professor at the center and one of the researchers in the survey, said.

"For the rest of society and policymakers, it is time to break away from old social stigmas and adapt to new trends among the young."

Marriage and birthrates have been declining in China for years.

Official data show that about 7.64 million marriages were registered last year, down from about 8.1 million in 2020 and the lowest figure in more than three decades.

The number of newborns also fell to 10.62 million, compared with 12 million the previous year.

Whether these declines will continue in the future has been the subject of much discussion as China's Generation Z approaches the traditional age for marriage, ranging from the late 20s to early 30s.

According to the survey, 61 percent of college students were certain that they would get married, with only 4 percent rejecting the possibility completely. Their ideal age for marriage averaged 27.8 years and the ideal number of children was 1.85.

The results came as a surprise to researchers, who have long believed that the rise of people who wish to remain single and DINK (Double Income No Kids) families in China will further dampen younger people's enthusiasm for having a family.

"I think certain aspects of traditional Chinese culture, such as interdependence between family members, still have a strong impact," Li said. "The younger generation's yearning for marriage is still evident."