“May 20” (May 20th) is a peak day for marriage registrations, and many engaged couples are concerned about appointment availability. Shanghai’s civil affairs department recently announced that engaged couples need not worry about appointments: even if they fail to book online, as long as they arrive at a Shanghai marriage registration office during working hours, staff will properly arrange the process to ensure every couple successfully completes their registration.

The nationwide marriage registration policy has been officially implemented since May 10, 2025. Couples who are not registered as Shanghai residents and do not hold a Shanghai residence permit can also complete their registration at any district marriage registration office in Shanghai.

Data released by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau shows that in 2025, Shanghai handled a total of 175,092 marriage registrations, including 125,102 marriage registrations and 49,990 divorce registrations. Looking at the daily marriage registration volume in Shanghai, the three days with the highest numbers in 2025 were “May 20,” “May 21,” and “Qixi (August 29).” The registration volume on these “peak days” increased by 42.92%, 79.04%, and 16.18% respectively compared to the same period the previous year, influenced by the full implementation of the nationwide marriage registration policy.

This year, to ensure registration order and service quality, Shanghai’s marriage registration offices have increased staffing and optimized procedures to fully meet the registration needs of engaged couples. The Shanghai civil affairs department also warmly reminds everyone that every day is a good day for love and companionship, and suggests that couples consider factors such as crowd flow and transportation to choose a suitable registration date and location for a more comfortable and relaxed experience.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and the largest city in China, known for its modern skyline and historic waterfront. Its history as a fishing village transformed dramatically in the 19th century when it became a treaty port, leading to rapid international trade and cultural exchange. Today, Shanghai blends its colonial-era architecture, like the Bund, with futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong, reflecting its dynamic past and present.

Qixi

Qixi, also known as the Qixi Festival or the Double Seventh Festival, is a traditional Chinese celebration that falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Its origins trace back over 2,000 years to a romantic folk tale about the cowherd Niulang and the weaver girl Zhinü, who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this night. Today, the festival is often celebrated as Chinese Valentine’s Day, with customs including praying for love, making wishes, and observing the stars.