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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children'

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In China's cities, despite the huge crowds, or maybe because of them, residents can feel very isolated.

Now, a new industry being dubbed the "loneliness economy" has emerged, with people hiring themselves out as companions to help the elderly.

The BBC's China correspondent Stephen McDonell visits a company that does just that, to see how their business works.

Read more about the paid companions bringing warmth to China's lonely.

View the original on BBC News →

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