Q: Dear Auntie Wang,

My friends tell me Chinese men care about more than just aesthetic beauty when assessing a female companion's appearance. They say men prefer looks that hint at good fortune. For example, a woman's round face and high forehead are believed to be auspicious for her male partner. Is this true? How can I know whether my facial features are "lucky enough" to attract an ambitious husband?

A: In China, we have a set of criteria for female facial features believed to bring good luck to husbands known as wangfu xiang, literally "prosperous husband appearance."

This classic appearance consists of a broad forehead, plump nose, luscious lips and large earlobes. Big, sparkling eyes and soft hair are also good signs of a woman's fortune-generating ability.

Physiognomy, or the practice of judging a person's character and mental qualities by observing their face, has a long history in China.

There are many mysterious philosophies and techniques that aim to read men's and women's fortunes recorded in books or passed down orally from generation to generation. Some people swear by them, while others are skeptical.

Eyebrows are considered a great sign to determine how long a person will live. Usually, long eyebrows that droop signal longevity and good health.

Take a moment to study your face horizontally in the mirror. Can you see into your nostrils? If so, you are most likely a big spender. Even if you have a fortune, your spending habits mean it's unlikely you'll keep it.

Now, look at your nose. Does it have a chunky tip? Don't despair, it means you're a keeper! You're careful and can be trusted to hand down a lasting legacy.

Chins are also a symbol of one's wealth, especially regarding property. A person with a broad chin stands a better chance of becoming a property tycoon someday, or at least winning in Monopoly.

If you are still unable to picture this kind of blissful face, perhaps you should search online for pictures of Buddha or portraits of ancient Chinese emperors; their faces are the epitome of good fortune.

But, you might ask, can plastic surgery change my destiny?

It's possible that widened eyes and augmented lips can enhance your beauty as well as your luck in being matched with a billionaire bachelor.

Now that you know all about "lucky" facial features, don't feel you have to apply makeup or use Photoshop magic to enhance your chances of luring a fortune-seeking man.

Sure, it's true that some people will "judge a book by its cover" when seeking a soul mate. But you should also remain the old adage that "beauty is only skin-deep."

Please send your cultural questions about China to twocents-sh@globaltimes.com.cn