China’s “rent-a-friend” economy is a burgeoning service sector where individuals pay for companionship during activities such as hiking, traveling, or dining. Fueled by a growing demand for “emotional consumption” and a massive pool of over 200 million flexible workers, this market is estimated by Chinese state media to reach 50 billion yuan (€6.35 billion) by 2025.
Why is “emotional consumption” driving this trend?
The rise of paid companionship reflects a profound shift in Chinese urban life. As younger generations move further from their families and face increasingly long working hours, maintaining traditional social ties has become more difficult. This has created a market for “emotional consumption,” where people pay for the presence of others to alleviate loneliness.
According to reports from Reuters, these services are no longer limited to high-intensity activities like mountain climbing. The market now covers everything from casual running and tourism to sitting in hotpot restaurants—an experience that is traditionally shared with friends.
The providers are typically students or young adults who use social media to market themselves. They offer more than just physical presence; they provide emotional support, conversation, and practical assistance, turning social interaction into a bookable commodity.
Chinese state media estimates the “rent-a-friend” economy could hit 50 billion yuan (€6.35 billion) by 2025.
How are young people profiting from companionship?
For many young people, these services provide a vital income stream in a changing labor market. With long-term youth unemployment driving graduates toward gig work, many are turning to online platforms to find “flexible” tasks.
Take the case of Tang Junxing, a 24-year-old student in Guilin. He earns between 3,000 and 5,000 yuan (€380.82 to €634.69) per month by acting as a travel companion and driver. Tang noted that most of his clients are women seeking emotional support—someone to make the journey feel easier and more pleasant.
On the more professional side of the industry, Chen Wenxing has built a significant operation. After leaving the military in 2022, Chen founded a hiking companion company in Shandong province. What started as a small venture has grown into a team of approximately 370 people. For a single day hike to Mount Tai, the highest point in Shandong, the cost for a “rented friend” is 800 yuan (€101.55).
A Comparison of Service Scales
- Individual Gig Work: Students like Tang Junxing performing solo tasks like driving or traveling, earning a supplemental monthly income.
- Organized Companies: Entrepreneurs like Chen Wenxing managing hundreds of employees to provide specialized mountain assistance.
What is the psychological appeal of paid friendship?
Beyond the economic necessity, there is a significant psychological component to this trend. The “rent-a-friend” model offers a level of social control that traditional friendships often lack.
Sami Wong, the Managing Director of 3Drips Psychology, suggests that these services provide a sense of security. Traditional social interactions require significant “emotional labor” and investment, often with unpredictable outcomes that can lead to anxiety. In contrast, paid companionship removes the risk of social rejection.
“When you pay for this service, you always get a ‘yes’ as an answer,” Wong noted, highlighting how the transactionality of the relationship eliminates the fear of being turned down or judged.
The rise of these services is closely linked to the “flexible worker” phenomenon. Official data indicates there are now over 200 million flexible workers in China, many of whom rely on these one-off digital tasks for stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific services are included in “rent-a-friend” packages?
Services vary widely, including mountain climbing assistance (carrying backpacks, taking photos), travel companionship, driving, running partners, and even dining companions for social meals.
Who typically provides these services?
The providers are primarily students and young people looking for flexible, one-off work engagements to supplement their income.
Why is there a high demand among women?
According to service providers like Tang Junxing, many female clients seek companionship specifically for emotional support and to ensure a more comfortable, facilitated travel experience.
What do you think about the rise of the companionship economy? Is it a logical response to urban isolation, or a sign of deeper social shifts? Let us know in the comments below!
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