Speed dating in China – in pictures

Participants gather for the mass matchmaking event, in a mock English town recreated in Shanghai, China Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Female participants and their family members check information cards of bachelors put up on a wall during the event Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

The event attracted a large number of people Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

A woman getting ready to meet her blind date Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Men told to stand on their spots and wait for the women they have been matched with Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Here they come ... hello! Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Women queue up to interview men who have registered their interests to find a partner Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Participants speak to each other Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Still talking ... Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

OK, now the presonal question ... Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Tables of compatibility Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

The match was successful for some pairs, not so for others Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP