"Staying still brings a world of colors," "Talking about money hurts feelings, but not talking about money leaves no feelings"... These familiar sayings highlight the awkward situation behind the high bride price phenomenon in some rural areas of China.

The annual Central Document No. 1 released today further proposes solutions to this issue, with a strong emphasis on "comprehensive governance." The document calls for advancing the comprehensive governance of high bride prices in rural areas, leveraging the roles of organizations such as the Women's Federation and the Communist Youth League, and enhancing public welfare matchmaking services as well as care and support for the marriageable population in rural areas.

The issue of exorbitant bride prices in rural areas is not a new problem. In recent years, the Central No. 1 Document has consistently outlined strategies to address this issue. For instance, the document from one year proposed "carrying out special governance on prominent problems in key areas such as high bride prices and extravagant ceremonies to shift customs and traditions." Another year's document suggested "strengthening the binding role of village regulations and conventions, with party members and cadres taking the lead in setting examples, and earnestly conducting special governance on prominent problems in key areas such as high bride prices and extravagant ceremonies." The document from yet another year encouraged "utilizing comprehensive rural service facilities to provide inclusive social services for farmers' weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies, thereby reducing the burden of rural social obligations."

The phenomenon of high bride prices in rural areas stems from various causes. Qiu Tongwei, an associate professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, told reporters that traditional beliefs, gender imbalance, and economic factors are all closely related to the high bride prices in rural areas. To solve such a complex issue, we cannot adopt a piecemeal approach—what is needed is precisely the "comprehensive governance" mentioned in the No. 1 central document.

"To alleviate the burden of marriage and enhance happiness, it requires efforts from multiple fronts and comprehensive strategies," said Qiu Tongwei. The document mentions "leveraging the roles of organizations such as the Women's Federation and the Communist Youth League," which aims to allow relevant parties to utilize their strengths, consolidate efforts, and establish a favorable environment and robust chain for managing high bride prices in rural areas.

During interviews, reporters discovered that many regions are actively exploring solutions. For instance, Jinxi County in Jiangxi Province took the lead by setting a maximum betrothal gift limit of 10,000 yuan, while Ningxia incentivizes couples with "zero betrothal gift certificates" by offering discounts on state-owned scenic area tickets. Earlier this year, Chen Yunsong from Yinlongxia Village, Duxi Village, Junbu Township, Yongfeng County, Jiangxi Province, tied the knot with his wife Guo Yuanlin. The newlyweds, both teachers, embarked on their new life together with a "zero betrothal gift" approach.

Guo Yuanlin told the reporter that in the past, some villagers believed that a high bride price was a matter of face. However, as attitudes have changed, more and more villagers have come to realize that a good life depends on the joint efforts of both spouses, not on the accumulation of bride prices. As teachers, they hope to advocate for healthy and civilized marriage concepts through practical actions.

This year's Central Document No. 1 also mentions, "Strengthen the crackdown on illegal activities such as marriage scams and frauds." Previously, courts in many regions have disclosed several typical cases involving the extortion of property under the guise of bride price. Experts interviewed stated that this is also an important part of "comprehensive governance," aimed at protecting the legitimate rights and interests of farmers from a legal perspective, thereby purifying the marriage environment. This deployment is deemed very necessary.

In the process of "comprehensive governance," "restraint" is essential, and "care" is equally important. Zhu Weidong, Deputy Director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and Deputy Director of the Central Rural Affairs Leading Group Office, stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that in response to the issue of high bride prices, it is necessary to develop binding norms and advocacy standards based on actual conditions, and to strengthen public welfare matchmaking services and care for the marriageable population in rural areas.

"The transformation of people's ideologies and lifestyles requires a process. In promoting rural social etiquette and civility, we must avoid hasty, one-size-fits-all approaches that are forceful and crude. Instead, we should persist with unremitting efforts, exerting a subtle and lasting influence to nurture people's minds with virtue and gradually shape social customs," said Zhu Weidong. The key lies in doing solid and thorough work with the masses, clearly explaining the rationale, resolutely saying no to undesirable practices while also helping farmers explore solutions and find ways forward."