Internet Valentine's Day marriages boom in Harbin

A young couple proudly shows off their marriage certificates while posing for photos at a marriage registry in Harbin, in northeastern Heilongjiang province on May 20, on the occasion of China's Internet Valentine's Day. Called "520", which sounds similar to "I love you" in Mandarin, this celebration, which originated on the internet, falls on May 20 every year. Many people propose, register their marriage or confess their feelings to their partners on the special day, as they believe the day will bring them good fortune and a happy life. [Photo/dbw.cn]

Couples wait in line to register their marriages at the Xiangfang district's marriage registry in Harbin, in northeastern Heilongjiang province, on May 20. There were a total of 2,736 couples in Harbin that registered marriages on May 20, seven times the average number for normal working days. [Photo/dbw.cn]

A young couple holding their marriage certificates poses for photos at a marriage registry in Harbin on May 20. [Photo/dbw.cn]