Speed dating ..... Chinese style

Whilst strolling through the People’s Park on Saturday afternoon, we came across an intriguing sight – hundreds of middle-aged people studying pieces of paper clipped to trees and bushes. A frantic buzz filled the air as people talked to one another and made notes in small books.

Which of these people will find love for their children?

We stood and watched this astonishing phenomenon for a few moments before being approached by a distinguished gentleman who spoke very good English. He kindly described the event to us ………

Frantic exchanges of resume details

All these people had gathered in the park to find husbands and wives for their children. The pieces of paper were advertisements for their beloved sons and daughters. The frantic chatter was the exchange of information such as height, weight, level of education, salary and assets. The parents made notes as they listened to the resume of the potential son or daughter in law being recited.

Perusing the partner choices

After the event, we also learnt that it is illegal to display photos of those being ‘auctioned’ off because apparently this would make it like a real marketplace although it certainly had the feel of a real marketplace. Once we learnt this, we understood why some of the auctioneers got extremely angry when it looked like we were going to take a photograph of them.

Discussing potential love matches

One of the advertisements stood out from the others for several reasons. Our 'guide' explained that it was uncommon because it was a man trying to find a partner for himself, not his child. His bright green poster told us that he was 41 years old and was looking for a partner who was tall (at least 160cm) and university educated. He used his salary as a selling point – he earned 200,000 rmb each year (about $40,000). This man had evaded the ‘no photos’ rule by creating a flap at the top of his advert which potential partners could lift up to judge his physical appearance. He was obviously an organised man because he had also placed a stack of smaller adverts for interested parties to take home his details.

Taking notes

As we wandered through the park and observed the matchmaking event in progress, many questions popped into my head. How do the children feel about their parents arranging their partnerships? What happens after the event? Do parents go home and dissect each potential partner with their children? Do the children get a say? What happens if the child didn’t like their parent’s choice? How many marriages come out of such events?

She was happy with the description .....

I also wondered how long such a match making service has been going on throughout China – I am sure that such events have been going on long before the arrival of internet dating or speed dating as we know it in the western world.

..... but is she happy with the visual?