‘I’m NOT LEFTOVER!’ Chinese Girls Join FOREIGN Dating

Imagine strolling through a market, expecting the usual display of fruits and vegetables, only to find a market brimming with parents of single Chinese women fervently searching for a partner for their unmarried daughters, labeled as "leftover women." Parents, adhering to traditions, attend wedding markets to promote their unmarried children, often without their knowledge—this is the reality for millions, not only in Shenzhen but also across China.

Carrying a derogatory undertone that reflects societal biases, leftover women are called "sheng nu" in every Mandarin corner or "gwai mu" in Cantonese, often applied to unmarried women over 27, equating to the orange at the bottom of the basket, the unsold sugarcane, or the stove gap filler.

For men over 30, it's a different narrative. In Mandarin, they're hailed as "diamond bachelors," and in Cantonese, "sunpoon," translating to quality real estate. The disparity in these labels reveals the societal preference for younger Chinese brides, reinforcing age-old norms that persist despite demographic imbalances throughout Asia.

China's one-child policy, initiated in 1979 to curb population growth, echoes to this day. With approximately 104.7 males for every 100 females, the preference for sons intensifies. Sons are seen as family legacy carriers, wealth inheritors, and caregivers in old age—a tradition ingrained over centuries. The societal pressure to marry younger women persists, making it challenging for Chinese women over 30 to find partners.

The landscape of matchmaking in China is evolving. Many single Chinese girls are pursuing higher education and careers, as well as dating foreign men, challenging traditional norms. In rural areas, men face difficulties attracting spouses due to Asian women seeking urban opportunities. The societal shift, driven by economic opportunities and changing priorities, challenges the traditional emphasis on marriage and family in China.

As technology and cultural differences shape China's society, millions of women opt for education or career focus, marrying later, or choosing not to marry at all. Single Chinese girls who pursue their dream of romantic connections with foreigners turn to dating apps, while more serious women seek the assistance of a local matchmaker who believes they can guaranty a match among visiting foreign bachelors seeking a more traditional relationship with women from China, whether they are "sheng nu" or not.