Cash cow

Wealthy Chinese ladies in their 40s and 50s are also on the prowl for a handsome beau.

"She doesn't need you to be rich," Tension said. "Remember she will set certain traps to test whether you're out for her money, and the key to winning the heart of a she-millionaire is to pass muster."

He's up for it, says Beijing student Geoffrey Be. "It's a good idea," he said, "an exchange of culture between Belgium and China with mixed children.

"We can make business together."

Wealthy Chinese ladies in their 40s or 50s prefer a Western husband, Shao believes.

"Age really matters in a relationship with the Chinese," she said, "but Western men are more likely to respect them the way they are."

A few rich Chinese yearn for a Western wife, both consultants say.

"Rich Chinese men over 40 might find it hard to marry a Western wife because they are more conservative," Shao said, "but when the more open-minded second generation grow older, they're more likely to marry a Western wife."

To marry a rich princeling without kissing too many frogs, you have at least to know what he's looking for, Ding said.

Beauty is not a must, but looks are important. Rich Chinese men tend to value family background: Some even hire feng shui masters to see if a woman has a lucky face.

A rich Chinese man can have a lot of women, says French businesswoman Fredericka Peetz.

"Why should he pick me?"