A total of 5158 couples registered their marriages on May 20 in Beijing, many more than on Valentine's Day. The date May 20 or 5.20 - read each figure separately and it sounds like "I love you" in Chinese.

Some new couples were already waiting at the door of the registration department in Haidian District in Beijing at about 5 on the morning of May 20. The department started work at 7 a.m., two hours earlier than usual.

A bride-to-be said she and her boyfriend got up before 5 a.m. to register early.

According to the registration department in Haidian District, more than 600 couples came to register their marriages in the morning, and another 200 to 300 came at other times. Staff said that all couples would get their marriage certification on May 20.

According to the Marriage Registration Department of Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau, more than 3400 couples registered their marriages on Valentine's Day this year.

However, 226 couples divorced on May 20.