Mount Tai hikers can now hire “climbing buddies” for a few hundred yuan to walk with them, carry bags and take photos, highlighting how paid companionship is moving into everyday leisure.
The broader market now sells partners for running, sightseeing and even hotpot meals, with providers promising “emotional value,” conversation and practical help through social-media listings.
Students and young gig workers are supplying much of the labor, turning favors once exchanged among friends into bookable services as lonely consumers seek social connection.
China’s companionship economy is projected to reach 50 billion yuan, or about $7.4 billion, by 2025, reflecting urban isolation, long work hours and weak traditional social networks.
In China’s $7.4B companionship market, who is protecting the emotional and financial health of the providers?
As China's youth buy companionship, are they finding connection or just a new kind of transaction?
With AI companions now regulated, will China’s youth choose human connection or a perfect digital friend?