Sunday morning in Beijing saw traffic jams stretching across the city due to the much-anticipated Beijing marathon, leading to an unusually tranquil atmosphere at the iconic Temple of Heaven park. In this serene setting, groups of mostly older individuals engaged in the graceful art of t’ai chi beneath the lush trees, while a sprightly, stern-faced gentleman practiced his swordplay techniques with a samurai sword, embodying a blend of tradition and fitness.
Nestled in a shallow hollow, a lively mix of men and women spanning various ages were captivated in a game of jianzi, skillfully kicking and passing a weighted shuttlecock among themselves. They dedicatedly kept the shuttlecock airborne without using their hands, showcasing their agility and coordination while laughing and cheering each other on.
Along the narrow path framed by fallen leaves, rows of laminated A4 pages lay scattered, each conveying heartfelt messages from parents. Every few steps, gray-haired figures stood, either alone or in pairs, holding up these notices and occasionally engaging in conversation about potential matches with passing park-goers.
“A third-generation Beijing Haidian native, birthed in 1993, stands tall at 185cm (6′1″), unmarried and financially sound. His attributes include striking facial features, fair skin, and a lack of short-sightedness. As an only child with a commendable disposition, he is characterized by his generosity, tolerance, and a Bachelor’s degree in digital finance and data,” one prominent notice elaborated, highlighting the desirable qualities sought in a potential match.
“Requirement: a woman born after 1996, measuring 170cm (5′6″) or taller, with a graduate degree or above, unmarried, possessing good looks, ideally hailing from an urban intellectual or Beijing family,” indicated another notice, further emphasizing the meticulous standards prevalent in this informal matchmaking haven.
This captivating scene at the Temple of Heaven serves as Beijing’s renowned blind date corner, a unique informal matchmaking service operating every Sunday and Wednesday morning. Despite the notices portraying eager young singles, the actual dating process is largely orchestrated by their parents, who become the mediators in these romantic pursuits.
“At first, it’s the parents of the children who become acquainted. If both families find each other’s attributes suitable and the children’s backgrounds align, they allow the young adults to connect via WeChat,” explained Mrs. Chen, a devoted participant in these matchmaking efforts, who has been coming here for four months to find a suitable partner for her 30-year-old daughter.
Mrs. Chen proudly shares that her daughter holds a Bachelor’s degree and works as an accountant for a state-owned enterprise, securing a stable income. She emphasizes the added value of having both parents in good health, enjoying pensions, along with owning a house and a car, which greatly enhances her daughter’s attractiveness in the competitive marriage market.
The stakes are high in this unbalanced marriage market, where parents echo a common refrain: a bachelor’s degree, a steady income, and a Beijing hukou is a must. However, the imbalance is glaring, as notices seeking women vastly outnumber those for men, placing the parents of single males in a distinctly advantageous position.
Mr. Wang’s son, aged 35 and divorced with a young son, finds himself searching for a woman approximately eight years his junior, preferably with a master’s degree and Beijing hukou, while remaining unmarred by previous marriage. With three apartments and two cars in their name, Mr. Wang and his wife assure potential matches that they will not burden their son financially.
“Although he is divorced with a child, the remarkable qualities he possesses continue to draw interest from many parents of eligible young women. Yet, we understand the necessity of being choosy. My son is tall and handsome, and he is discerning in his selection as well,” Mr. Wang articulated with conviction. “I firmly believe it is beneficial for parents to meet beforehand; a child’s character often reflects that of their parents, making it imperative that we are well-matched.”
Numerous parents arrive holding several notices; some promoting their own offspring while others represent friends’ children. While each acknowledges the odds of finding a match are slim (“about 1,000 to one,” admitted Mrs. Chen), they remain hopeful amid the uncertain prospects, as their unmarried children seldom show active interest in the matchmaking process.
Living nearby, Mr. She has frequented the blind date corner for six months in hopes of finding a suitable match for his 31-year-old daughter, who has a brief marriage history but no children. He is particularly interested in connecting her with a man holding a Beijing hukou, preferably not much older than her.
“Every day, after my grocery runs, I stroll through the park, scrutinizing the profiles of singles I encounter for my daughter, hoping to find someone fitting. She understands our intentions at the dating corner, and although she doesn’t object to our efforts, we are aware that the journey remains uncertain.” He stated optimistically, “If a qualified match emerges, we will set up a meeting; if not, we’ll simply accept it.”
“We’ll make every effort and explore all avenues, and if ultimately nothing pans out, we’ll return to our lives. While the chances of success are not high, the collective attitude of ‘let’s give it a go’ is refreshing and fosters a sense of camaraderie among the hopeful parents,” he concluded, embodying the resilient spirit of the matchmaking corner.
Important to find the right partner, someone who can truly connect with him. After all, a solid foundation in values is key in any relationship.”
**Interview with Mrs. Chen, a Regular Participant in Beijing’s Matchmaking Scene at the Temple of Heaven**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mrs. Chen. Can you tell us what brought you to the Temple of Heaven for matchmaking?
**Mrs. Chen:** Thank you for having me! I’ve been coming here for about four months now. I want to find a suitable partner for my daughter, who is 30 years old and a working professional. As a parent, it’s my responsibility to ensure she finds the right match in this competitive environment.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a proactive approach. What does the atmosphere look like here during the matchmaking sessions?
**Mrs. Chen:** It’s quite lively! While the park is serene, you can see parents, mostly elderly, holding up notices with details about their children. There’s a mix of activities happening—some people practicing tai chi, others playing jianzi—creating a friendly sense of community. But the main focus is on matchmaking.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting! What kind of qualities do parents typically look for in potential matches?
**Mrs. Chen:** Generally, we focus on education, career stability, and family background. For my daughter, I look for someone who holds a bachelor’s degree, has a steady income, and ideally owns property. Physical attributes also matter—from height to overall appearance—again reflecting the pressures in this dating scene.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the process involves parents first connecting before introducing their children. How does that work in practice?
**Mrs. Chen:** Yes, first, it’s about compatibility between families. We meet and discuss our backgrounds, and if we find each other suitable, our children can connect over WeChat. It’s designed to ensure that both families are on the same page before the youngsters become involved.
**Interviewer:** Do you think this approach is effective? How do the young adults feel about it?
**Mrs. Chen:** Many young people aren’t quite comfortable with their parents arranging matches, but they understand the pressures from society. They appreciate some assistance, especially given the high standards that have developed in the marriage market. However, it does lead to a lot of scrutiny, which can be overwhelming.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you think makes the Temple of Heaven such a unique venue for this kind of activity?
**Mrs. Chen:** The Temple of Heaven has a rich cultural atmosphere that underscores tradition and community, making it an appealing place for gathering. The blend of calmness and activity here encapsulates the balance we seek in life, which extends to the search for love as well. Plus, it has become a popular spot known beyond just matchmaking—it brings people together and fosters a welcoming sense of belonging.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mrs. Chen, for sharing your insights. It sounds like a fascinating blend of tradition and modern dating practices at the Temple of Heaven.
**Mrs. Chen:** Thank you! I hope my daughter finds her match soon. It’s all about patience and hope in this journey.
