Key facts
- Paid companions are offered for activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and dining.
- Providers, often students or gig workers, advertise services on social media.
- The companionship economy is estimated to be worth around 50 billion yuan ($7.4 billion) in 2025.
- The trend is linked to young people living farther from family, longer working hours, and difficulty maintaining social ties.
- China has over 200 million flexible workers, many of whom are young graduates.
Younger generations in China are increasingly seeking paid companionship for various activities, reflecting a growing demand for "emotional consumption." This trend is driven by factors such as living farther from family, demanding work schedules, and the challenges of maintaining traditional social ties in urban environments. The rise of flexible work and high youth unemployment further contributes to individuals turning to these services for both social connection and income.