Shanghai singles struggle to marry as economy slows

Making new connections: People attending the masquerade singles mixer in Shanghai. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: Victor Li is determined to get married soon, but like many other young Chinese grappling with an uncertain economic outlook, the well-heeled Shanghai entrepreneur isn’t sure he can afford to.

“It’s very expensive for us to get married, especially in a big city like Shanghai,” the 32-year-old said, as he took a break from a ticketed networking event for wealthier, top university-educated singles at an upmarket Shanghai jazz bar.