'We Want BETTER!' Chinese Girls Hire Foreign Matchmakers

As many Chinese women pursue academic achievements that often lead to promising careers, many girls who remain unmarried beyond the age of 25 are labeled as Sheng Nu or leftover women. Because many Chinese men are less likely to marry women who achievements surpass that of their own, countless Chinese girls are looking beyond Shenzhen when deciding to date with marriage in mind.

The term "leftover women," or "sheng nu" in Mandarin, carries a heavy stigma. It generally refers to unmarried women over 27, likening them to the last oranges in a basket or the unsold sugarcane—items no one wants. In stark contrast, men over 30 are celebrated with titles like "diamond bachelors," which translates to prime real estate. This disparity highlights a societal preference for younger brides and underscores age-old norms that persist despite shifting demographics across Asia.

The roots of this situation can be traced back to China's one-child policy, introduced in 1979 to control population growth. This policy has left China with approximately 104.7 males for every 100 females, intensifying the cultural preference for sons. Sons are traditionally viewed as carriers of family legacies and future caregivers, a belief deeply embedded in Chinese culture. As a result, societal pressure remains high for Chinese women to marry young, making it increasingly difficult for Asian girls over 25 to find husbands willing to start a relationship with a person on their social level.

However, dating in China is undergoing significant changes. Many Asian women in Shenzhen are prioritizing higher education and careers, often exploring relationships with foreign men as they challenge conventional norms. Single Chinese women who dream of romantic connections with foreigners often turn to dating apps. However, for women like Beauty, Clara, Emily, Erica, Josie, Nannan, Silvia, Smile, Yulan, and Ailian, engaging with Asian matchmakers who specialize in connecting Chinese women with visiting foreign bachelors interested in more traditional relationships is invaluable.