Chinese University Urges Students to 'Fall in Love' Amid Population Decline
A Chinese university has issued an unusual directive urging students to "enjoy the flowers, fall in love" during their mid-term break, as authorities seek innovative ways to stimulate marriages and domestic consumption across the nation.
Unusual Directive from Sichuan College
The notice was posted on the official WeChat account of Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Aviation on Tuesday, encouraging teachers and students to put down their books and embrace romance. This directive comes approximately two weeks after China announced it would introduce spring and autumn holidays for schools, supplementing the traditional summer and winter breaks.
Authorities have also stated they will encourage staggered paid leave to enable workers to travel during off-peak seasons, aiming to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year.
Spring Break Plans Across Provinces
Provinces such as Sichuan and eastern Jiangsu, along with cities including Suzhou and Nanjing, have unveiled plans for spring breaks, most scheduled for April or early May. The college has designated "See the flowers and enjoy romance" as its theme for the spring holidays from April 1 to 6.
Broader Context of Population Decline
China is actively seeking to boost domestic consumption by encouraging travel and leisure activities among its vast population of 1.4 billion. Authorities hope that increased free time will create opportunities for more births, aiming to reverse a concerning trajectory of population decline.
In 2025, China's population fell for a fourth consecutive year, with the birth rate dropping to a record low. Experts have warned of further decline, highlighting the urgency of addressing demographic challenges.
Government Initiatives and Expert Opinions
On Tuesday, Beijing issued a guideline to promote child-friendly development, as announced by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The guideline calls for coordinated efforts to establish "child-friendly cities" by improving public services in areas such as education, health, travel, sports, and recreation.
James Liang, co-founder of Chinese travel company Trip and a prominent demographic expert, emphasized that society needs sufficient time and financial resources to raise children. He advocated for more initiatives like the university's directive, stating, "Greater efforts are needed to educate young people on the social and personal benefits of raising larger families."
Liang suggested that the government could establish a broader support framework by reallocating resources and increasing financial assistance to families, thereby addressing the underlying economic and social barriers to higher birth rates.
