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🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

From hiking to hotpot, lonely consumers in China fuel a $95 billion companionship economy

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • China's "companionship economy" offers paid services like "climbing buddies" and dining partners, estimated to be worth $95 billion.
  • The trend reflects young urban Chinese seeking "emotional value" amid longer work hours and weakened family ties.
  • Gig workers, often students, provide companionship, offering certainty and avoiding the anxiety of uncertain social interactions.

In China, a burgeoning "companionship economy" is transforming social interactions into paid services, with estimates suggesting it's worth around 500 billion yuan ($95 billion). Services range from "climbing buddies" on Mount Tai to paid partners for dining and sightseeing, often provided by students and young gig workers.

When you pay for this service you always get a ‘yes’.

— Sami WongPsychotherapist Sami Wong explains the appeal of paid companions, highlighting the certainty and control they offer compared to uncertain social interactions.

These providers advertise "emotional value," conversation, and practical assistance, turning favors once exchanged among friends into a bookable service. This trend highlights significant shifts in China's urban lifestyles and service sector. Researchers and state media point to a growing demand for "emotional consumption" as young people navigate longer working hours, increased distance from family, and difficulties in maintaining traditional social connections.

The rise of the companionship economy coincides with prolonged youth unemployment, pushing more young people into gig work. Psychotherapist Sami Wong notes that paid companionship offers certainty and control, mitigating the anxiety and potential sting of rejection associated with traditional social interactions. For individuals like Tang Junxing, a university student, these side gigs offer a way to earn pocket money by providing companionship and driving services, primarily to women seeking emotional value.

I have always been a hiker and have a lot of hiking experience. I noticed rising demand in the hiking escort service, then decided to try my hand in the field.

— Chen WenxinChen Wenxin, founder of a hiking companion company, describes his motivation for entering the business.

Chen Wenxin, who founded a hiking companion company after leaving the army, has seen his team grow significantly. His company charges substantial fees for services like accompanying hikers on Mount Tai. This economic model taps into a desire for reliable social engagement in an increasingly complex urban environment.

That’s when I realised you can actually make money by accompanying people on trips and driving for them.

— Tang JunxingTang Junxing, a university student working as a travel companion, shares how he discovered the earning potential of such services.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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