Peacocking' Talents and Charm—Inside a High-End Matchmaking Event for China's Wealthy

The practice of screening for compatibility based on personal wealth, education and social class is well and alive in China.

- Michelle Ng

BEIJING — A woman in a light blue dress twirled gracefully across the dance floor; a man in a white polo tee, hair slicked back, belted out a Cantonese ballad, 1874 by Eason Chan.

This was no talent show but a matchmaking event at a five-star hotel in Beijing; one touted as exclusive to Chinese millionaires.

Most of the 52 participants, said organizers, have assets of at least 30 million yuan (S$5.4 million) to 50 million yuan, with a handful having assets exceeding 1 billion yuan (S$180 million).

After a round of self-introductions and performances, the participants—24 men and 28 women—mingled over free-flow wine and champagne, and a buffet dinner featuring oysters and steak.

The men were a mix of first-generation entrepreneurs and second-generation heirs.

Participants who spoke to The Straits Times asked not to be named, for privacy reasons.

A 29-year-old native of Hebei province, now living in Shanghai, said he had "never worked a day since graduating from university" because he has never needed to.

Another man, 39, who holds a high position in a prominent Chinese tech company, observed: "Everyone here is presenting their best self by showcasing their talents and charms, you could call it a 'peacocking' event."

While charm was on showcase, the display of wealth was subtle.

Not a single man wore a suit, except the organizer, who emceed the evening, though one could spot Chanel and Dior handbags, Rolex watches and Porsche key fobs.

The dinner, held at the five-star Kempinski Hotel, is organized twice a year by Chinese social and matchmaking firm YuuSii, one of three such companies in Beijing that cater to the ultra-wealthy.