The "older-woman, younger-man" affair between Hong Kong pop stars Faye Wong and Nicholas Tse has been an "inspiration" for university students in the southern Chinese metropolis.

Tse is 11 years younger than Wong, a divorcee who has a daughter.

According to a recent survey, more than 23 percent of male university students in Guangzhou would like to seek an older girlfriend, or are not concerned about having girlfriends senior to them.

The survey, conducted by the Psychological Department of Guangzhou-based South China Normal University, interviewed more than 2,000 students in the campus.

"University students now have more choice and freedom in seeking a girlfriend or boyfriend in the campuses," a teacher from Sun Yat-sen University said. "We are not surprised when told that a male student has begun dating a female student studying in an upper grade," said the teacher.

Some believe that older girlfriends would help them with both academic pursuits and life.

The survey has also showed that students have an open mind towards sex - more than 53 percent of the male students would like to have sex with girlfriends before they get married. Almost none of the students said they began dating with marriage as a goal.

Most students think character is the first consideration when they seek companions; and many would like to have a partner with a strong personality.

Some students also consider the personal ability and academic credentials of their partners; and few think of money when dating.

Zhang Minqiang, a professor at South China Normal University, said most students' attitude towards love is healthy.

(China Daily July 17, 2003)