According to the People's Daily, a survey in Beijing has found that 50 per cent of women with a monthly salary of 5,000 to 15,000 yuan (HK$4,700 to $14,100) are single.

The reasons? About 48 per cent of them say it is because they are financially independent and do not need to rely on a man, 6.5 per cent say they do not have time to date, 12 per cent say they are so outstanding that they cannot find a man of superior status, while a cynical 23 per cent doubt the existence of true love.

Interestingly, more than 80 per cent think it is okay to live with their partner - which was shameful 20 years ago.