One of the clients is Yang, a 91-year-old widow living outside Beijing, whose worsening eyesight due to glaucoma and feelings of isolation had made life increasingly difficult. She had even considered voluntary euthanasia before Wang Yingwei and his team began visiting her twice daily to bring hot meals, help around the house and keep her company.
“We see ourselves as community children,” Yingwei told the BBC, explaining that his team treats elderly clients like their own parents. He added that the service costs less than half the price of hiring a caregiver.
A former mobile phone salesman, Yingwei started the business after his father-in-law, who had Alzheimer’s disease, moved into a nursing home. He wanted to help older people remain in their own homes for longer while receiving the support they needed.
Another client, 75-year-old Zheng Ruizhi, said retirement had reduced her opportunities to socialise. She now looks forward to Yingwei’s visits and affectionately calls him her “dear boy.”
The paid companionship industry in China also caters to people who need assistance with hospital visits and recreational activities. Liu Yanyan, 23, accompanies clients to medical appointments, helps them navigate hospitals and collects medication or test results.
According to Liu, some young adults also hire companions because they have few friends nearby or feel uncomfortable asking colleagues for help.
Associate Professor Teresa Kuan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong said such services offer predictable relationships without the uncertainties that can come with ordinary friendships.
Although the industry’s overall size remains difficult to determine, securities firm Sinolink estimated its value at $7.4 billion in 2025.
For Yang, the service has made a significant difference to her daily life.
“I did struggle with loneliness but that’s been resolved now. I’m quite happy,” she said.
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