The Zhongshan Marriage Registration Center was buzzing with excitement, on May 20 ("520"), a date that sound like "I love you" when said in Mandarin.

That morning, the center opened early to provide marriage-related services. Couples braved the downpour of rain to tie the knot, filling the hall — inside and out — with a sweet, festive atmosphere.

A total of 802 couples across Zhongshan registered their marriages on May 20, a significant increase from previous years.