Shanghai's lonely hearts find love in IKEA

While internet dating's a common option for love-hungry youngsters to obtain a mate, in Shanghai, China, one idiosyncratic venue's a magnet for the maturer lonely hearts craving love – the cafeteria of the multinational conglomerate, IKEA.

Tuesday's the day when hundreds of elderly singletons land on the Swedish chain's café, shunning the celebrated meatballs as they carefully spread out their pre-prepared lunches. Sharing chai, tangerines and occasionally a little cheap alcohol, the seniors dream of luring in a loved one.

Committing to the weekly 90 minute pilgrimage on public transport to the dating diner, ex-coach driver Gu Yijun is on a mission to hunt down a soul mate.

Gu Yijun: "So, I came to the thought that it could be better to find a partner here, but if not, it's also a way to relax and have fun. It is much better than facing the mirror alone at home, as I can only see myself in the reflection."

China has in excess of 29.7 million pensioners, with 25 percent of those being singletons. Where multigenerational households were once the norm, a shift in social structures as well as an ageing demographic have meant solitude for countless individuals.

Although Qingqing, 70, has devoted years of her working life tending to elderly folk, the time's now ripe for her to put herself first. Qingqing: "When I reached this age, I realized I had a yearning for love as well, so you see, people change. It's not embarrassing to speak out. Not only do young people need love, but elderly people also need love."

It's perplexing to fathom precisely how an IKEA café blossomed into a dating hot-spot, but for a decade the love-struck retirees have been appearing on a weekly basis, ignoring the furniture superstore's endeavours to put an end to the practice.

In the eyes of Xu Yizhen, this locale ticks all the boxes.

Xu Yizhen: "This is a kind of way of life. To be honest, it's in accordance with my personal standard of living. This place is not very extravagant. There are some practical difficulties for us to go to more elegant places if we want to go. This popular place suits us better." View Less