This Day, That Year

Item from May 8, 1997, in China Daily: Young newlyweds light red candles at the close of a group marriage ceremony on Tuesday in Beijing. The five couples, poor rural folk who had moved to Beijing, completed their wedding day with an exchange of vows and gifts ... It was the first of its kind, organized by the Home for Working Girls. This organization was founded by a monthly magazine, Guidance for Women Farmers, in April 1996. With more than 200 members, the organization helps young women adjust to city life.

China's rapid urbanization continues to draw millions of rural workers to cities, but meeting partners in the new environment is not easy, according to a survey released by China Youth Daily on Thursday. Nearly half of the respondents expressed worries about finding love and getting married.

Many social organizations and companies have been holding speed-dating events to help migrant workers find spouses, as seen in the photo on the right of more than 40 migrant workers speed-dating in Beijing in November 2011.