Beijing Women's Federation

In the romantic early summer, youthful vigor shines bright. On May 18, the “Love in Beijing • Joyful Fitness” – “Happiness Connection” nationwide model matchmaking event was held at the Lucheng National Fitness Center in Beijing. Over 500 single young adults were brought together for a day of sports, social networking, and the promise of romance. Huang Xiaowei, Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group, Vice President, and First Member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF), attended the event and extended warm wishes to the participants.

At the launch ceremony, three couples shared their heartfelt stories – from “first encounter” to “lifelong commitment.” World figure skating champions Pang Qing and Tong Jian, a legendary duo in Chinese figure skating, spoke about how their shared dreams and love blossomed on and off the ice. Zhou Bowenrui and Wang Rui, who met through sports, come from families honored as “Most Beautiful Families” in China and Beijing’s Dongcheng District respectively. Their union, they said, was not just about love but also the blend of family values. Yang Chenguang and Tian Xiaochan reflected on how they met through a matchmaking event organized by the ACWF, built a family, and had a baby – sharing their personal “secrets” for keeping a marriage strong. Chen Lihong, Head of the Activities Department at the Haidian District Women and Children’s Center and a volunteer matchmaker with the ACWF, answered questions on-site and encouraged young romance seekers to be proactive, sincere, and courageous.

The event buzzed with vibrant energy as participants enthusiastically joined five themed group activities: “Journey to Happiness” hand-in-hand walking tours, “Ping-Pong of Fortune” friendly matches, “Shuttlecock Connection” team competitions, “Ice Romance” skating sessions and “Love Song Duets” singing sessions. As games brought laughter and collaboration, participants found themselves emotionally closer. Volunteer matchmakers, acting as “Happiness Ferrymen,” helped ease conversations, deepen mutual understanding, and spark new friendships.

Huang Xiaowei engaged in heartfelt exchanges with young participants and shared her thoughts on the meaning of happiness. She emphasized that President Xi Jinping has always cared deeply about youth development, stressing that young people are the most cherished treasure and greatest hope for both the Party and the nation. To help address the real and pressing concerns of single young people regarding romantic relationships and marriage, the ACWF has been working to build platforms to help them expand social circles and offer tailored matchmaking services. Huang encouraged young singles to understand that marriage is not only a personal life event but also a matter of great significance to national development. She called on them to take the first step forward, learn to grow from acquaintances to life companions, and work together to build happy families if they hope to –  upholding values of patriotism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in building a modern family culture rooted in love and virtue.

Those also attending were Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC (IDCPC); Cui Shixin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People’s Daily Press; Xing Bo, Vice President of China Media Group; Pan Yiqin, member of the Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; and Ma Liejian, Secretary of the ACWF Secretariat. Representatives from the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Society Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Ministry of Civil Affairs of the PRC, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the PRC, General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), and the Beijing Women’s Federation were also present.

The event was jointly hosted by the Department of Family and Children’s Affairs of the ACWF, the Party Committees of the IDCPC Offices, and the Party Committees of the Organizations Directly Under the GASC. It was co-organized by China Women’s News (ACWF Internet Information and Communication Center) and the Beijing Women’s Federation. Since the launch of the “Happiness Connection” matchmaking brand in 2024, more than 10,000 dating and friendship events have been held across the country, attracting over 1.5 million young participants. In 2025, efforts will continue to promote a new, modern view of marriage and childbearing, with “Culture and Tourism +” “Sports +” and other themed activities. Plans also include expanding the volunteer matchmaker network and launching a “Happiness Classroom” live-stream series on love and relationships in collaboration with China Media Group—all aimed at helping youth broaden their social circles and embrace proper views on marriage, childbearing, and family.