"Having three children is the best" says a vibrant neon pink sign at a wedding expo in the southern Chinese city of Changsha, where visitors can also pick up tips on tying the knot and men can strap on a pregnancy belly to experience childbirth pain.
The marriage-themed festival comes at a time when China is looking to spur weddings and births to counter a shrinking population, but it has drawn thin crowds and sparked criticism for being regressive, disparaging toward women and for putting people off marriage — contrary to the government's aim.
Social media users called out slogans at the expo such as "Housework is the best," "Best at raising kids" and "Best at tutoring homework" for reinforcing gender stereotypes.
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