This year’s Lantern Festival has coincided with Valentine’s day, a romantic occasion that happens every 19 years. And with a double blessing on the same day, couples across the country are rushing to tie the knot.
It’s only eight o’clock in the morning, but at this marriage registration office in Yuexiu district of Guangzhou, the lines are already growing fast.
"We were extremely excited and couldn’t sleep last night, so we came early to get registered."
With the surge of couples, local marriage departments have taken steps to speed things up.
Usually the whole process takes more than 15 minutes, now it takes just five.
"We booked the service before the Spring Festival holidays to secure this special date."
Statistics show that over 3,000 couples have gotten marriage registrations on Lantern Festival.
Things are the same here in Qingdao city.
"We wanted be the first to get registered. But it’s our hearts that truly matter."
With this sudden rush of couples, local marriage registry departments have also enhanced their working capacities.
"We’ve rearranged our working hours and given up our lunch breaks to let as many couples get marriage certificates as possible. It’s their big day, and we’ll do our best to help them tie the knot." Yu Qiang, Director fo Qingdao Marriage Registration Office said.
So far, up to one thousand couples have gotten registered to marry in Qingdao.
While in Shanghai, the city’s Chenshan Botanical Garden has turned itself into the ideal spot for romance, with "candle light" dinners held amid the flowers and plants.
And even though the dim glow of candles has been replaced by LED lights, the romantic ambience has still provided a charming alternative for love birds.