Wu Sha is quite a catch: She has a master's degree, a well-paid job in a stock agency and her fair share of good looks. But the 28-year-old from Shanghai is still single.

 

"I want a fiancé who loves me and tolerates me. He must earn more than me, have enough time to accompany me and should not be over 35," said Wu.

 

The woman talks of her marriage plans in the same cool tone she uses to map out a business blueprint.

 

Although she is nearing 30 - the defining age of "the spinster" in the eyes of the older generations - Wu is not the only urban girl with high expectations of a husband.

 

A recent survey of some 1,000 women office workers in Beijing found that 60 percent of them would consider it boring "to face the same husband every day" and to "perform the role of a housewife".

 

Most said they had the upper hand in the relationship.

 

About 85 percent of the women said they had complete control over their male partner or spouse, and 70 percent said they were fully aware of "their attraction to the men".

 

About 40 percent said they had more than one male partner, an apparent deviation from the model of the "good girl". And many simply don't want to settle down.

 

Instead of confining themselves to a family life, these women want their own social community, where they can have their jealousies and desires eased and complaints softened with drinks, laughter and tears with their peers, the survey said.

 

In addition, the women are equipped with a good education, plus a little charm to help them climb the corporate ladder, it said.

 

"I have 10 men in my team, and two of them were enrolled into the company at the same time with me," Liu Wen, a middle-level company manager in Beijing, said.

 

These go-getter women are also not happy with the status quo.

 

"There are just too many things to desire: Promotion, a better spouse and fairer pay," Liu said.

 

Facing increasing pressure, this new breed of woman also likes to succumb to life's little luxuries.

 

"I devoted my whole life to my career. Am I wrong to use the money I have earned to compensate for my lost youth and beauty?" Liu, who owns Tiffany jewelry, Prada bags and wears Dior perfume, said.

 

"But sometimes I envy those girls with a moderate pay, who rely on their husbands and live a carefree life," said Liu.

 

"But as soon as I seal a new deal, I know I am right to choose to be me."

 

(China Daily August 1, 2007)