Resisting parents' pressure to wed requires patience and strategy

Communication requires both sides to listen, she explains. It's worthwhile to point out many Chinese are marrying later and that lifestyles are diversifying, especially in cities, she says.

"Attending the blind dates parents arrange shows you're actively trying to find a partner. It'll help them ease up," Luo believes.

"You can also improve their material life with gifts or by traveling with them, or encourage them to enrich their own lives by cultivating hobbies."

That is, for people who plan to marry someday.

Those who wish to remain single indefinitely should develop a financial plan and arrange for old age and illness. That's because parents often worry nobody will take care of their kids after they've passed away.

"It's an individual choice whether or not to marry. It's not a social responsibility," Luo says. "Don't rush into it because of pressure. Young people can't stand unhappy marriages and may divorce when problems emerge."

"Social development has led to later marriage and childbirth," Luo says.

"It's not easy to find a suitable partner, with whom a person can share affection and values. Singles can enjoy colorful lives. We have to be open-minded about these phenomena."