China tutoring school’s promotion links civil service exam success to higher bride prices
Wedding betrothal advertisement emblazoned on public bus sparks public anger; officials order institution to stop marketing campaign
A Chinese civil service exam tutoring company has sparked controversy by claiming that they can help clients pass the test and then demand an additional 200,000 yuan (US$29,000) in bride price.
On December 28, a netizen posted a video claiming that a civil service exam tutoring institution in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, northern China, had used a controversial banner to promote its business.
The Inner Mongolia branch of Beijing Chongzheng Education Consulting Co., Ltd., was established in October 2020 and is well known locally for its civil service exam training service.
In the video, the slogan “Come to Chongzheng and pass easily, ask for 200,000 yuan more in bride price” was displayed on a public bus.
By December 29, the video had been taken down and a member of staff from the institution claimed they were unaware of the promotion.
However, some netizens confirmed the authenticity of the slogan.
“It is true. I took the civil service exam in Inner Mongolia on the 29th. After the exam, a group of people was shouting the slogan through loudspeakers. I heard it myself,” said one person.
