Couples in traditional attire take their oaths during a new Chinese-style collective wedding ceremony in Yanzhou, Jining. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Jining is redefining modern romance by hosting a series of new Chinese-style collective weddings, showing a growing shift from extravagant and competitive customs to simple, dignified ceremonies.

The ceremonies feature important rituals carried out in an efficient manner. At a recent collective wedding in Qufu, couples participated in traditional ceremonies, including bowing to heaven and earth, bowing to parents, ritual toasts, and hand-holding vows. The entire ceremony lasted less than 40 minutes, reducing unnecessary expenses while preserving the essence of ancient Chinese wedding customs. One participant mentioned that the simplified format reduced financial pressure while maintaining dignity and substance.

Brides and grooms perform hand-holding vows at a wedding ceremony in Qufu. [Photo/Dazhong News]

These events avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, with each district drawing on its unique culture. Yanzhou district incorporated family values and honesty culture, Rencheng district combined Grand Canal heritage with romantic celebrations, while Weishan county introduced fisherfolk-themed weddings on Weishan Lake.

Since the beginning of this year, Jining has expanded the program to include companies. So far, the city has hosted more than 7,000 collective weddings involving over 9,000 couples, reflecting the growing public embrace of modern yet tradition-inspired marriage customs.

Jining holds a new Chinese-style collective wedding designated for employees. [Photo/Dazhong News]