Patrilocality, the tendency of married couples to live with or close to the husband's parents, is a core tenet of traditional Chinese society. In recent decades, however, this custom has been challenged by large-scale internal migration as well changes in family values and preferences. Against this background, the study analyses the current patterns and determinants of couples' proximity to both sets of parents. It uses the China Family Panel Study, a recent nationally representative dataset that contains extensive information on Chinese couples and their parents. The findings show that patriarchal norms still exert a strong influence over couples' residential decisions. Coresidence with the husband's parents is highly common, particularly for young couples that have recently married. Matrilocality is much rarer, although it becomes more likely when the wife has no brothers. We discuss implications for old age security, gender relations and son preference.