In recent years, there has been a striking uptick in Chinese men entering into cross-border marriages, a phenomenon highlighted by Lianhe Zaobao that underscores not just personal romantic decisions but also the expanding global influence of China’s economy and culture. This allure—particularly prominent across nations in the Global South—has intersected with ongoing domestic challenges, including exorbitant bride prices and gender-related frictions, leading a growing number of men to consider international marriage as a more economically viable alternative.
A case in point is Wang Xing, a 30-year-old native of Xi’an who wed Meina, a 22-year-old Egyptian woman. The couple currently resides in factory dormitories near Wang’s workplace in Zhejiang’s Pujiang Industrial Park, relying on translation tools to communicate—something they describe as surprisingly seamless. Wang opened up about his past frustrations with dating in China, citing the significant financial and emotional burdens that ultimately led him to seek a partner overseas. He calculated that the total cost of his international union—covering flights to Egypt, accommodation, gold gifts, and a modest bride price—amounted to approximately 100,000 yuan. This sum stands in stark contrast to the roughly 300,000 yuan he estimated for a domestic marriage, and that figure excludes the costs of purchasing a house and car. Prior to their wedding, Wang formally converted to Islam in Egypt, a decision supported by his parents.
Another illustrative example is Lu Zhenliang, 29, from Fujian Province, who married Nana, a 22-year-old Indonesian woman he encountered during a trip to Batam Island. Lu noted that their relationship progressed rapidly, aided by translation applications, and explained that short-video platforms like TikTok and Instagram had already cultivated a positive image of China among Indonesian audiences. The bride price for the marriage was reported at 20 million rupiah, and Lu added that he provides regular support to his mother-in-law. He contrasted Nana’s modest expectations with a previous domestic relationship, which he described as overly materialistic, emphasizing that daily contentment holds greater value in his current marriage.
Lianhe Zaobao also spotlights the cross-border pairing of “Xiaolian,” a 26-year-old Russian woman fluent in Mandarin, and her 34-year-old husband Gao Shihui from Shandong Province. The couple connected through language-learning apps and later settled in Ningde, Fujian. Xiaolian’s long-standing connections to China—including study periods in Heilongjiang and Qingdao—played a key role in fostering her affection for Chinese culture and values. However, the report points out that foreign spouses in China face notable obstacles, such as restricted access to work permits until they have resided in the country for five years and limitations on obtaining permanent residency.
Data referenced in the publication reveals a structural shift in cross-national marriages. As recently as 2018, the long-standing pattern—where more Chinese women married foreign partners than Chinese men—was reversed: men accounted for 56.4% of international marriages that year. By 2024, this proportion had climbed to an estimated 70%. Despite this significant shift, foreign spouses remain a small segment of China’s total population. In 2024, approximately 122,000 cross-border marriages were registered, representing roughly 2% of all marriages in the country that year. Unofficial statistics circulating on Chinese social media identify the top source countries for foreign brides as Vietnam, North Korea, Russia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Japan, Cambodia, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, with several African nations—including Egypt—also featuring prominently.
Scholars interviewed by Lianhe Zaobao attribute this trend to a combination of “push” and “pull” factors. Domestically, China’s so-called “bachelor crisis”—characterized by a surplus of tens of millions of men—has incentivized some to look abroad for partners. Internationally, China’s development and growing global visibility—amplified by the Belt and Road Initiative and the widespread dissemination of Chinese entertainment and influencer content on platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu—have enhanced perceptions of China and Chinese men worldwide. Analysts focusing on Indonesia note that Chinese historical dramas and idol content, subtitled in local languages, have gained significant popularity among young audiences, while positive economic perceptions of overseas Chinese communities also shape marital preferences in the region.
The report includes insights from writer Su Qin, who pushes back against the stereotype that this trend is driven solely by “gold-digging” motives. She argues that rising living standards have made both men and women more pragmatic, with individuals increasingly seeking greater “value for money” in romantic relationships. In rural areas and smaller cities, Su Qin explains, high bride prices add considerable financial pressure, and some men who prioritize starting a family over pursuing dual careers may view foreign marriages as more affordable, “goal-oriented” partnerships. She also points out that Chinese men are often perceived to have cultural advantages in certain markets—such as lower rates of heavy drinking and a stronger commitment to family—and advises foreign spouses in China to learn Mandarin quickly to facilitate integration and protect their personal interests.
