In recent news from China, the birth rate continues to decline, leading to a sense of hopelessness among the youth who are increasingly adopting a “lying flat” lifestyle, including the trend of choosing not to marry or have children.
A new policy was introduced in Lvliang, Shanxi province, where women who marry before the age of 35 will receive a reward of 1500 yuan (RMB), with additional subsidies of 8000 yuan for families that have a third child. Some netizens have mocked the policy, commenting that the money offered is so substantial that it seems impossible to spend it all.
According to an announcement from the Lvliang Civil Affairs Bureau on October 31, starting from January 1, 2025, couples in Lvliang who register their marriage (both partners registering for the first time) and the bride is 35 years old or younger will be eligible for a reward of 1500 yuan, to be claimed at the marriage registration office.
Families in Lvliang who comply with the policy by having a first, second, or third child, and register the newborn’s household registration in Lvliang, will receive subsidies of 2000 yuan, 5000 yuan, and 8000 yuan respectively, which can be collected at the household registration office.
From the year following childbirth, family members who have a second or third child according to the policy (including both spouses and children) will receive subsidies of 30% or 50% of the individual payment for basic medical insurance coverage in urban and rural areas for a period of 5 years.
Statistical data from the Lvliang Statistics Bureau shows that by the end of 2023, the city had a total population of 3.3465 million, with a decrease of 24,000 compared to the previous year. The urban population was 1.8774 million, accounting for 56.1% of the total population, an increase of 1.2% from the previous year. The city recorded 22,000 births, with a birth rate of 6.6‰; 25,400 deaths with a mortality rate of 7.55‰; resulting in a natural population decrease rate of -0.94‰.
The news has sparked heated discussions on social media platforms.
Prominent commentator and Weibo influencer “Shi Shu Si” wrote, “This amount of money is not enough to persuade singles to marry, let alone encourage married couples to have a third child… Encouraging childbirth is a complex system that requires a comprehensive approach covering aspects such as fertility, social security, employment, and education.”
Internet and technology blogger, Weibo influencer “Qin Guan Si Hai”, commented, “Even with a 1500 yuan reward, it’s unlikely to incentivize people burdened with mortgage and car loans, and various life pressures to get married! Nor would an 8000 yuan subsidy persuade people to have children!”
Some netizens sarcastically remarked, “Those who want to marry won’t do it for your reward, and those who don’t want to marry won’t do it even with the incentive. It’s better to improve the social environment, address food safety, employment, healthcare, and education. Fixing these issues will naturally lead to marriage. 1500 yuan is a lot of money, seemingly endless, maybe the leaders can use it to buy medicine.”
Amidst the discussion, one netizen humorously commented, “Just heard a joke. What can you do with that 1500 yuan? For the sake of marriage and childbirth rates, it seems like they’re really going all out. Not only all out, but at a price point reminiscent of a ‘Pinduoduo’ bargain spree.”