Guangzhou-based Information Times reports hospitals in the southern city have seen a rise of couples undergoing premarital checkups this year.

According to Dr. Chen Ping, who works at a Guangzhou hospital, so far the number of couples having checkups in her hospital has reached five times the figures of previous years. Nearly 80 percent of the patients are well educated white collar workers who pay attention on how to conceive a healthy baby.

Hospitals offer several levels of health checkups at different prices. The most expensive set, which costs over 1,000 yuan and has the most items, is the most popular.

Couples also hope hospitals have psychological consultants to help them build a happy marriage.

Many Chinese believe it is an ideal time now to get married this year. They hope to give birth in the Year of the Pig next year because pigs are considered lucky.

China abolished compulsory premarital checkups in 2003.

Editor: Wing