The month leading up to Chinese New Year has traditionally been the busiest for matchmakers like Zhang Kelan. But in recent years, business has not been so good.

This year, Zhang, 83, decided to call time on a career that has spanned half a century and seen her pair 104 couples, a record in her tiny village in Shandong province.

"All were happy marriages. Not a single divorce," she said, before attributing her success to her straightforward character, skillful handling of customs, and instinct to read the minds of parents.