"Sharing 'Goodbye' Divorce Selfies and Snapping $1,350 Solo Wedding Photos... Changing Views on Marriage in China [China. ZIP]"

Young Generation Focuses on Personal Happiness and Consumer Choice
The Perspective of "Divorce as a New Beginning" Is Growing
Sharing "Divorce Proof-Shots" Sparks Debate Online

Editor's NoteThis is a serialized feature that unpacks fascinating stories from China's vast and complex economy, society, and culture, delivering only the essential highlights.

Recently, the views on marriage among China's Millennials & Gen Z have been undergoing dramatic changes. Many now choose to wear expensive wedding dresses and have photoshoots alone, regardless of marital status. Engaged couples no longer insist on wedding dresses and tuxedos. Instead, they wear traditional Chinese wedding attire and create lasting memories at famous tourist destinations in China. Some even take "divorce selfies" and share these moments on social media platforms. This cultural shift reflects a new trend among young people who prioritize personal happiness, self-expression, and consumption over being bound by the traditional institution of marriage.

In China, taking 'divorce photos' and posting them on social media is becoming a trend. China XiaoHongShu.

Millennials & Gen Z Taking Solo Wedding Dress Photoshoots

Taking solo wedding dress photos and sharing them on Chinese social media platforms has become a widespread trend. While interest in this has been growing steadily for several years, the market has expanded so much recently that dedicated packages are now available. The cost is lower and less burdensome than for couples, to the point where reservations are often required due to high demand. Many also rent wedding dresses for casual snapshots. Depending on region, number of photos, and dress brands, package prices range widely from 200 yuan (about 40,000 won) to 6,000 yuan (about 1,350,000 won).

In the past, wearing a wedding dress for photos was exclusively associated with marriage, but experts note that this perception is shifting—these photos are increasingly viewed as a way to commemorate one's youth and beauty.

Wearing traditional Chinese clothing for wedding photos is becoming a trend among young people in China. According to Baidu, China.

Sohu.com reported on the solo wedding photoshoot phenomenon last month, featuring an interview with Ms. Li Mi, who had a solo shoot. Ms. Li said, "With makeup, styling, outfits, photography, and editing, the shoot cost just over 1,000 yuan (about 220,000 won)." She added, "Because I did it alone, I could direct the shoot exactly as I wanted, which made me very satisfied." Unlike the pre-set concepts for engaged couples, these one-person shoots offer broader choices and higher satisfaction.

Traditional Wedding Attire Photoshoots at Chinese Tourist Sites

Chinese people wearing traditional wedding clothes and taking wedding photos. China Weibo.

Among engaged couples, taking wedding photos in traditional Chinese wedding attire or Hanfu, instead of a wedding dress and tuxedo, has become popular. Recent trends show that China's Millennials & Gen Z take great pride in their traditional culture. Many visit famous Chinese tourist sites in traditional clothing to capture unique and personal memories. Popular spots include Xi'an, Dunhuang, the Forbidden City, and historical alleys where history comes alive.

Costs vary depending on the region, venue, and whether the shoot is indoors or outdoors, typically ranging from 1,500 yuan to 20,000 yuan (about 330,000 to 4,510,000 won). According to the Beijing Daily on the 10th, "Traditional elements once regarded as old-fashioned have now become cultural symbols of self-expression and identity among the younger generation." Statistics show that the Guofeng-related market surpassed 2.5 trillion yuan (about 564 trillion won) in 2025 and is expected to reach 3 trillion yuan (about 677.1 trillion won) by 2028.

Divorce as a New Beginning, Not an End

It has also become a trend for recently divorced couples to take walks near the Civil Affairs Bureau (the agency responsible for marriage registration) and document this moment in photos to post on social media. This is interpreted as a cultural shift among young people who view divorce not as an "end" but as a "new beginning."

The popularity of "divorce photos" on social media has sparked controversy. Some argue that confidently sharing these photos is a form of self-expression that does not regard divorce as a failure, while others see it as a way to attract attention and promote oneself. Photographers are also divided: some believe divorce, like marriage, is a part of life worth documenting, while others say they refuse to shoot such sessions because the atmosphere is somber and uncomfortable. There are widespread concerns that divorce photography could contribute to rising divorce rates.

Wei Jia, an assistant professor at Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, pointed out that divorce photography reflects a growing social tolerance toward divorce. Zhou Xiaoyan, a professor of psychology at Chongqing Normal University, noted, "In the past, people generally considered divorce shameful, but now it is increasingly accepted as a part of life. Divorce is no longer seen as a failure, but rather as an experience."

Photographer Ji Wei said, "I start filming from the moment the couple enters the Civil Affairs Bureau, capturing everything up to the moment they receive their divorce certificate and part ways." The videos typically last about one minute and thirty seconds. "As soon as the woman stepped outside, she burst into tears, and it broke my heart. For a moment, I regretted filming," he recalled. He added that both the photos and videos are often filled with sadness and regret, making such shoots emotionally difficult. Nonetheless, "There are more inquiries about divorce videos than wedding videos," he said.

Marriage Registrations Up, Divorce Filings Down... Experts Call It Temporary

According to data released by China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, last year there were 6,763,000 marriage registrations and 2,743,000 divorce filings. Compared with 2024, marriage registrations increased by 657,000, while divorce filings dropped by 770,000. Although the numbers show a sharp rise in marriage rates and a decline in divorces, experts unanimously agree this is a temporary phenomenon. China’s younger generation is shying away from the "marriage system" due to high unemployment, housing costs, job insecurity, and the financial burden of raising children. In response, the Chinese government has introduced a variety of policies.

Previously, marriage registration was only possible in one partner’s registered hometown (Hukou), but now couples can register at any civil registration office nationwide. The traditions of the groom paying a bride price (Caili) and holding extravagant weddings are also gradually changing. The government is also increasing subsidies for hospital and childcare costs to ease the financial burden of childbirth and child-rearing.

Chinese marriage certificate and divorce certificate. Baidu China.

To curb the surging divorce rate, China has implemented a mandatory 30-day "cooling-off period" before a divorce is finalized. Couples must wait 30 days, and if either party changes their mind during this period, the divorce becomes void. This creates an invisible barrier, making it impossible to get divorced immediately, even if both parties wish to do so. An official from the Ministry of Civil Affairs stated, "This system gives those who decide to divorce impulsively some time to reconsider," adding, "We will provide marriage and family counseling services, including emotional communication, psychological counseling, and relationship recovery, to those seeking divorce." Despite these measures, critics say it is not enough to reverse the population decline.

CNN reported earlier this year that, even after China scrapped its one-child policy in 2016 and introduced incentives for second and third children, the population has declined for three consecutive years since 2022. The number of births increased slightly in 2024, but not enough to offset the number of deaths. The United Nations predicts that by 2100, the proportion of elderly people in China could reach half the total population.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.