Among the frenzied ruckus of blaring music, ballroom dancing, opera singing, and endless chatter in Peoples Park Chengdu is found a network of paths intersecting through the trees. People young and old gather here and shuffle up and down the pathway looking for love… or at least a sensible solution to filling that vacant spot in their (or their eligible, unattached family members) lives. Chengdu’s marriage market is kind of like a low-tech Internet dating site. It consists of a series personal ads, A4 printouts laminated for longevity mounted on bamboo sticks lining the pathways. They detail the qualities of an assortment of local vacant hearts. Some carry photos, others descriptions of the suitors. One reads;
“Female, born Otcober 1979, height 163cm, weight 51kg, Master of Economics, Symmetrical facial features, dignified and generous, honest and kind-hearted, shows respect for family, behaves amiably, thoroughly reasonable, works in a bank, stable employment, owns an apartment.
Seeks man born between 1971-1979, over 168cm tall, not too thin, a degree from a recognised university, important that he shows a sense of responsibility, has a career and is someone who is optimistic and generally excellent.”
While attracting a partner with a piece of paper dangling from a stake containing your particulars as well as wishes and expectations for a life partner down at the local park may seem strange to a non Chinese, this practice is common place in China. Despite this method drawing the attention of fewer potential companions than a profile on an Internet dating site, it certainly has its charm in its quaintness. One could argue it has its advantages in that these notices should draw a good wholesome type, one who chooses to make their way down to the local park and be a part of the local community. Either way it is an ongoing tradition that seems to work. So next time you are in China seeking a life long love but your Internet is down, do it the old-fashioned way and head down to your local park, you never know your luck.
