When she was younger, Ji's requirements for a spouse were focused on practical matters, like income, family background, height, and education. "My parents told me to get married first, and that love can be nurtured later," says Ji.

Marriage based on economic status is normal in China.

“If there is another place in Shanghai where elderly people can gather, we are more than ready to pay twice as much and travel farther." But the new rules have not stopped the tenacious singles from enjoying their day out.

They now reportedly just buy the cheapest item on the menu; a croissant costing 4 yuan (49p).

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for years, hundreds of elderly people have flooded into the restaurant to meet friends and potential partners, according to Many are divorcees or people living alone after the death of a partner and the café gave them a chance to meet peers free of charge.According to a study by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, there will be more than 24 million single Chinese men in 2020.Now more than ever, Americans partake in services offered by online dating sites such as or e Despite a 700-seat capacity the venue was often overcapacity, but since the change crowds have shrunk by as much as half.The “no food, no seat” rule came into force following complaints that paying customers were unable to sit at a table themselves.A noticeboard put up at the café entrance states the “illegal blind-dating group” is affecting the restaurant with their “uncivilised behaviour,” reports #Ikea in Xuhui district has come up against a surprising foe in its attempt to make clients buy and consume food in its dining room.pic.twitter.com/jar Rjct XAz — Shanghai Eye (@Shanghai Eye) October 13, 2016 "We've been to Mc Donald's and KFC. We feel like aliens there - surrounded by youngsters.