And the sizable market has spurred some interesting online services.
Singles can rent a boyfriend, or even enlist the service of someone to help with a breakup.
It's the Lunar New Year and as with tradition, it's also that time of the year when people shop for new clothes and new shoes but some people in Beijing also go online to shop for a new boyfriend.
Pressure on single women to settle down is so huge in China that some resort to hiring a temporary boyfriend.
And this has prompted an online industry of individuals offering themselves for rent.
Rates are competitive, starting from 1500 yuan per day (close to US$240), and the female hirer is expected to pay for extras like transport and lodging.
But in most cases, sex is clearly stated as, not on the cards.
Out of curiosity, 27-year-old Lin DeZhou decided to put himself up for rent this year and has so far gotten a few responses within a week of his posting.
Lin said: "Most of them are older, between 23 and 28 years and are office workers. They have strong personalities, and like refreshing things. Being older, they've been pushed by their families to get married. So they're looking for a man as a replacement for a boyfriend to meet their parents.
Lin said to protect himself, he'll first arrange to meet the woman to discuss all terms and conditions.
"For example, I don't drive. And the appropriate amount of alcohol I can drink. And we can't get overly intimate. There are rules."
Such transactions appear to be acceptable to most.
A lady said: "For those who can't find a boyfriend or girlfriend, they can do this. It's an experience. There's not much harm in it. And it's the New Year, so be happy."
Another said: "At least you can let yourself feel that you have a partner, even temporarily. Like during Valentine's Day, put yourself out for rent. It's not a bad feeling."
A male said: "Deep inside, you don't feel like looking (for a partner). But your family will push you, and that will force me to do it."
The Internet seems to be where most young Chinese turn to, to resolve matters of the heart.
Unhappy lovers can even hire agents online to handle break-ups.
Rates range from US$1.60 to US$1,600.
Zhang Zihan, a break-up agent, said: "A student who was probably a third year undergraduate, said she has been with her boyfriend for two years but heard that he's seeing someone else. She told me she's a student, has limited funds, but is willing to fork out 2,000 yuan to get her boyfriend back."
Mr Zhang said he turned down the offer as he found it unethical, but said out of every 10 requests he receives, nine are from women.
For most individuals who're providing the service, they said its an opportunity for them to earn some extra cash while in Beijing since they're not going home for the holidays.
Article source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/featurenews/view/1177627/1/.html
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