Chinese Singles 'Rent' Dates to Keep Mom and Dad Happy

China has the largest and fastest-growing online population in the world.      

Today's Internet offers Chinese users a wide range of new services --- including one that is growing in popularity: renting "holiday boyfriends" or "girlfriends." 

The Chinese New Year can be especially painful for the country's unmarried young adults. As they get older, they are more likely to face family pressures and questions like: "When will you get a girlfriend?" "When are you going to get married and give us a grandchild?"

One millennial man from Beijing said: "The feeling of going home is quite complicated. I want to go to see my family. However, all those questions kind of make me not to. I don't think they really understand my world."

In order to avoid family conflict, China's singles have come up with a new solution to ease the pressure: renting a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The steps are easy. Anyone can go and search for a "significant other" to rent. Shoppers can browse the options based on photos of those available, their locations, or the price.

Prices are solely based on the services provided, and the cost can be as much as $165 per day. Some fake boyfriends and girlfriends charge an extra hourly fee based on the service provided. Services can include: handholding and hugging in front of relatives, caring for elders, doing house chores, and more.

Kissing and sexual activity are strictly off-limits in the presence of parents and family, but once alone, renters are free to do whatever they want. This could be another reason why many single adults are signing up.

We found some adults in Beijing who support the service.

"I believe it is quite acceptable. This can help people like me solve a lot of awkward moments. As long as I bring someone home with me, my families are going to be very happy. I don't have to explain to them anything. It is the deal between me and the girl I rented," said one young man.

Although it seems dishonest and deceptive, many Chinese young people feel hiring a boyfriend, or girlfriend is acceptable because it keeps their parents happy. That is important in Chinese culture.

Because there are more males than females in China, for now, young men without companions are finding girlfriend rental an easy way to satisfy their demanding parents.