Retiree Zhao Kunming , 72, and his wife, Xie Yuqin , have offered a free matchmaking service in Shenzhen parks to more than 7,300 singles over the past three years. Mr Zhao explains the secrets to a successful blind date and how he and his wife have helped more than 400 couples tie the knot.
Why did you start a matchmaking service?
I started to provide a free matchmaking service in Shenzhen's Lotus Hill Park in 2005 when I went there with a 50-year-old divorced professor who was looking for a match for himself. At that time, a great number of retirees gathered in the park on the weekend to exchange information about their unmarried children in the hope of finding in-laws. Many of these unmarried adults are a thorn in the side of their retired parents, but very few of them have time to start a relationship. Because each retiree needed to repeat their children's details many times a day, I decided to collect basic information about the singles and put it on a bulletin board to make it easier for the parents.
How do you help people find spouses?
Each single will receive a number after registering with their ID cards, photos and certificates to prove their unmarried status. Their number and basic information will be written on the bulletin board for interested candidates, who can later obtain that person's contact number by presenting his or her registration number. All these services are free. Successful registrants are required to cancel their numbers soon after they find a partner. The service has attracted more than 7,300 singles in the past three years. And more than 400 couples have tied the knot.
What's the main obstacle for the other 90 per cent of registered singles?
About 90 per cent of the young people living in Shenzhen are migrants with few social contacts and this holds them back from meeting potential partners. But the main problem is they are too choosy. I fully understand that. Times have changed and love is no longer the only determinant for marriage. I have classified 24 of the most oft-cited requirements that the 7,300 singles would like their future spouses to meet. These include age, birthplace, permanent residency, family background, position, income, whether he or she has property or a car, education level and health. There are also unreasonable requirements. A great number of singles reject candidates who work far away because they might need to move house or get a new job to live together. They don't want to sacrifice much for a relationship.