Playing cupid in China

They've come looking for love... singles by the thousands flock to an expo in Shanghai with one thing on their mind - finding the perfect mate.

Here, parents crowd around a board to check the bios of potential candidates for their children.

Popularized by TV shows and societal pressure, the market for matchmaking is big business in China.

Love brokerage companies are popping up across the country. Some offer one-on-one tutoring in how to find, or become, marriage material.

One woman says she's afraid time is running out. She's 30.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 30-YEAR-OLD FEMALE MEMBER, LI WENQI, SAYING:

"I feel it is better late than never. For me to be considering marriage at this time, I have to grasp the opportunity. But my parents are a little nervous because for them they feel that women at this age should already be married and even have kids."

Young and old alike, hopeful romantics are proving its never too late to get help fanning the flames of desire.

Julie Noce, Reuters