CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On October 15, at Ciqikou Marriage Registration Point, Marriage Registration, Shapingba Civil Affairs Bureau, Wu Linrui and Liu Meng received their freshly issued marriage certificate. They said: “After getting the certificate, we can stroll around Ciqikou. We even scheduled a street photoshoot!”

Wu Linrui and Liu Meng, both natives of Chongqing, currently working in Shanghai, have been in a relationship for eight years and finally decided to embark on their marriage journey. They specifically returned to their hometown to obtain their Marriage Certificate, hoping Ciqikou Ancient Town would witness their sweet vows.

Many other couples share similar sentiments. A relevant official from Shapingba Civil Affairs Bureau noted that since Ciqikou Marriage Registration Point opened in October 2023, it has quickly become a popular spot, attracting numerous couples for registration. Over 1,000 couples have registered, and more than 5,000 visitors have come for photos and consultations.

Ciqikou Marriage Registration Point’s popularity is attributed to its thoughtful design. Inside the nearly 200-square-meter space, “which is compact yet fully equipped”, services for marriage registration, divorce registration, certificate issuance, and marriage counseling are all available. It features unique elements such as a Heart-shaped Bridge, Love Check-in Wall, and floral columns for couples to take photos.

Among the attractions, the Heart-shaped Bridge connects the outdoor and indoor areas, symbolizing couples entering the marriage hall hand in hand. The “double happiness” wall, made of golden metal sheets, rustles gently in the breeze, signifying a harmonious union. The white floral columns, shaped from roses and lilies, represent blessings for couples to enjoy a lifelong partnership.

In addition, Ciqikou Marriage Registration Point has organized local wedding-related businesses into a “Love Alliance,” featuring 43 selected merchants that provide dining discounts, accommodation offers, and other services from the aspects of travel, food, accommodation and appreciation. In the future, this Registration Point will also develop a “Sweet Route Card” to guide couples to various check-in spots.

Ciqikou Marriage Registration Point is a typical example of Chongqing’s efforts to create distinctive marriage registration venues. Since this year, Chongqing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau has actively explored the integration of “marriage registration + reform, service, and economy”, prioritizing the establishment of unique marriage registration service locations as part of the city’s livelihood initiatives. A number of distinctive marriage registration agencies and outdoor certificate issuance stations have been established, leveraging theme parks and cultural tourism districts to enhance Chongqing’s identity.

For instance, Liangjiang New Area Marriage Registration Office has created Chongqing’s first park-style marriage registration agency, moving away from traditional administrative service halls. It is located in the iconic cultural and tourism project, OCT Happy Valley, featuring an outdoor certificate issuance platform under “Chongqing Eye”, making it a highly recognizable marriage registration scene in the city.

Additionally, Jiangbei Civil Affairs Bureau, in collaboration with Chongqing Far Eastern City, has created the city’s only “urban business district” outdoor certificate issuance point, Jiangbei Far Eastern City Outdoor Marriage Registration Point. This venue integrates wedding culture, romance, and trendy elements, utilizing distinctive scenes such as “Guanyinqiao Eye” Observation Platform, “Stylish Corridor”, “Far Eastern Footpath” and “Super Display Screen”.

Apart from the aforementioned locations, Chongqing also features unique marriage registration venues in districts like Dazu, Wulong, and Qijiang, making these spots valuable platforms for promoting the new social norm of “celebrating weddings simply and innovatively.” (Translated by Vichy, Fathom Language Limited)