Mature Chinese women “rent out” their time to younger women: how much do these services cost, and why are they popular?
22 July 05:45
In China, mature and experienced women are offering support, advice, and meaningful interaction to young girls. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Chinese social media.
An unusual service, which users call the “sisterhood commission,” is gaining traction on Chinese social media. The idea is that older women or those with more life experience meet with young women, listen to them, help them navigate personal issues, offer useful life advice, or simply spend time with them.
The format quickly went viral because it tapped into a sensitive issue for today’s youth—the need for support and a non-judgmental listener. For many young women, this “big sister” becomes someone with whom they can share their problems at school, work, in their personal lives, or with their families.
How much does it cost to “rent” an “older sister” in China: the price of this viral service
Some women charge as little as 150 yuan for such a meeting, which is equivalent to about 1,000 hryvnias. In some cases, the price can reach 300 yuan per hour.
At the same time, some Chinese women offer free companionship, asking only that their expenses for food or shared entertainment be covered.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
“Big sister” services are typically provided by women between the ages of 30 and 40. In their ads, they emphasize their education, professional experience, openness, and ability to listen. Some position themselves as “rational” advisors, while others present themselves as more emotional and caring conversation partners.
Why the “big sister” service is rapidly gaining popularity: explanations from psychologists
One reason for the trend’s popularity is the desire to discuss personal matters in a safe environment. Young clients note that it’s easier for them to be open with a “hired sister” than with their parents, friends, or colleagues. The demand for this service is attributed to loneliness, societal pressure, and a lack of safe spaces for candid conversations.
Experts emphasize that the popularity of this format points to a lack of support in real life. That is why “big sisters” have become a way for many young Chinese women to get helpful advice on issues they cannot discuss with their usual social circle.
This form of communication is not a substitute for professional psychological help, but it does provide a sense of acceptance, care, and support. Some young women note that what’s particularly important is that these “big sisters” don’t pressure them, lecture them, or dismiss their experiences.
The “Girls Helping Girls” Trend
Recently, there has been a growing need for women’s mutual support in China, leading to the emergence of closed online communities for women where users discuss careers, personal lives, health, safety, and everyday problems.
In particular, about 500 such groups have been created on the Chinese platform Douban, with roughly two-thirds of them organized around professional activities or hobbies. These groups are often created as spaces free from aggressive comments and male pressure. In these communities, women refer to one another as “sisters,” which helps quickly build trust even among strangers.
Thus, the popularity of the so-called “sister commission” has become part of a broader movement of mutual support among women in China.
The growing demand for “big sister” services shows that young women are increasingly willing to pay for the opportunity to be heard and receive support from someone older or more experienced.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
