In the city of Langfang, China, an unusual business has emerged, catering to a growing demographic: divorced individuals seeking to erase tangible memories of their past marriages. Liu Wei, a 42-year-old entrepreneur, has found his niche in the professional shredding of wedding photos and other personal mementos.
Liu refers to himself as a "love story morgue operator," a metaphor that aptly describes his service. Since leaving his pharmaceutical job in 2022, he has been operating out of a factory warehouse, specializing in the destruction of oversized wedding portraits that have become a staple in Chinese marriages.
The popularity of pre-wedding photo shoots in China has skyrocketed in recent years, becoming a multi-billion dollar industry. Couples often spend thousands of dollars on elaborate photo sessions, resulting in large, framed portraits displayed at weddings and in homes. However, when marriages end, these once-cherished mementos can become burdensome reminders of failed relationships.
Liu's business addresses a unique cultural and practical problem. In Chinese superstition, burning photos of living people is considered bad luck, even for estranged spouses. Additionally, strict waste sorting rules in many Chinese cities make disposal challenging. Liu's service offers a solution that respects both cultural sensitivities and environmental regulations.
The process is meticulous and considerate of clients' privacy. Liu and his team spray-paint faces and distinguishing features before shredding the materials. They even accommodate specific requests, such as using particular colors or patterns for "exorcising toxicity." The entire process is recorded and sent to clients, providing a sense of closure.
"Paying to let a professional handle the photos was the most dignified and respectful solution I could think of."
This service reflects broader societal changes in China. Despite government efforts to promote traditional marriage and childrearing, divorce rates have remained high. From 2016 to 2020, China saw over 4 million divorces annually. Even with the introduction of a mandatory 30-day cooling-off period in 2021, approximately 1.3 million couples have divorced in the first half of 2024 alone.
The popularity of Liu's service, particularly among women who make up 80% of his clientele, highlights changing attitudes towards divorce in China. While stigma remains, especially in rural areas, urban Chinese are increasingly seeking ways to move on from past relationships.
As China continues to grapple with demographic challenges and changing social norms, businesses like Liu's serve as a unique barometer of societal shifts. They reflect the complex interplay between traditional values, modern lifestyles, and the emotional needs of a rapidly evolving population.
In a country where face-saving and social harmony are paramount, Liu's discreet service offers a way for individuals to close a chapter of their lives with dignity. As one client, Cheng Lingli, a 37-year-old teacher, put it, "It will be a closure I didn't know I wanted."
As China's urban middle class continues to grow and social media platforms like Douyin facilitate the spread of such services, it's likely that businesses catering to changing social dynamics will continue to emerge, reflecting the ongoing transformation of Chinese society.