A recent survey by the Tianjin Municipal Women's Federation indicates that the three decisive factors for women choosing spouses - money, social status and looks - are out of date. They have been supplanted by independence, mutual help and a sense of responsibility.

More than 80 percent of respondents felt that the ideal partnership is one where "each party has adequate independent space, but both help each other's career." To 45 percent of participants sincere emotions are the foundation of marriage and a husband's sense of responsibility is paramount.

Analysts conclude that China's social transformation has oriented Chinese women towards less superficial attributes.