A SHENZHEN woman recently signed a premarital contract with her boyfriend limiting their planned marriage to a period of eight years to ensure it remained fresh.

While many locals did not agree with the novel idea, a few suggested Qin Xiaodi sign another contract in the presence of a notary regarding financial terms.

Qin, in her early 30s, works as a freelance writer for a local magazine. Her boyfriend, who refused to disclose his real name, runs his own workshop on architectural design.

The couple said they had thought the issue over before deciding to sign the contract. A photographer friend was invited to witness the event which took place in the office of the magazine which Qin works for.

"We had friends present to make it formal," Qin said.

The contract, drawn up by her boyfriend, stipulates that the two, who have been in love for six years, will register their marriage, but it will be valid only for eight years. If no party raises an objection within 90 days of signing the contract, it will become effective, the document says. If any party breaches the contract after 90 days, the other party can file a lawsuit in local courts and claim damages.

Qin said she chose eight years as the duration of her marriage so that it could end before the two parties get bored, as there is a common belief that couples fee "itchy" for something new after seven years together. She hoped the issue would draw people's attention to the quality of marriage.

"I hope we can separate in peace after love fades away, rather than keep it simply out of concerns of property or legal bindings," Qin said.

"We will be careful with financial things, making it clear who has paid for the apartment and who has paid for the car."

The couple said they did not want a child. If they have one, by chance, they will let the child decide who he or she wants to be with, while the other party will pay child support.

Qin said they believed love does not last forever, and other bonds between family members are not strong enough to guarantee happiness.

Only one out of 13 people interviewed by the Daily Sunshine said she could understand Qin. The rest said marriage should be a lifelong commitment and it was a waste of time if the two wanted just eight years together.

Hou Songtao with a local law firm said the eight-year contract contradicts the spirit of China's Marriage Law, and is not legally binding and violator of the contract cannot be held liable.

Editor: Wing