Thirty-six rich businesswomen in Sichuan province are seeking spouses nationwide. One of the criteria is that their better halves tolerate mahjong.

According to the Tianfu Morning Post in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, almost all the businesswomen are natives of Sichuan and live in the suburbs of Chengdu. Aged between 28 and 49, and with fortunes of no less than 10 million yuan ($1.6 million), they have either made their own money or inherited family wealth.

Because of their heavy workloads, they play mahjong in their spare time to let off steam. It is hoped that their would-be spouses would understand, said Jiang Lin, a manager from the matchmaking agency that is in charge of the spouse-seeking event.

Employees from the agency will interview male applicants in Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenyang cities from Aug 10 to 20. Finalists will meet the businesswomen on Aug 23, which is China's Valentine's Day this year, according to the Lunar Chinese Calendar.

Some 300 men, including college teachers, public servants and businessmen, have entered their names for the event, Jiang said.