The plan sets a clear timeline: to curb the spread of these “outdated” trends by the end of 2025 and significantly reduce bride prices by the end of 2026. To do so, it has mandated that county-level administrations develop local bride price guidelines based on rural residents’ per capita disposable income, while actively encouraging “zero-or-low bride price” marriages.
mandag 26. mai 2025
Till Debt Do Us Part: Gansu Takes Aim at Exorbitant Bride Prices
In counties across Gansu province, northwestern China, local governments are rolling out a range of initiatives to curb excessive wedding customs — taking particular aim at exorbitant bride prices in the hope of boosting marriage figures. The efforts echo a broader provincial campaign to promote simpler, more reasonable marital traditions. In early May, the Gansu provincial government released a detailed work plan targeting what it sees as entrenched issues relating to high bride prices, competition for spouses, and extravagant weddings in rural areas.
The plan sets a clear timeline: to curb the spread of these “outdated” trends by the end of 2025 and significantly reduce bride prices by the end of 2026. To do so, it has mandated that county-level administrations develop local bride price guidelines based on rural residents’ per capita disposable income, while actively encouraging “zero-or-low bride price” marriages.
The plan sets a clear timeline: to curb the spread of these “outdated” trends by the end of 2025 and significantly reduce bride prices by the end of 2026. To do so, it has mandated that county-level administrations develop local bride price guidelines based on rural residents’ per capita disposable income, while actively encouraging “zero-or-low bride price” marriages.