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Paid ‘Climbing Buddies’ Boost China’s 50 bn Yuan Economy

6/3/2026

45 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Hikers can book paid “climbing buddies” on Mount Tai for a few hundred yuan.
State media values the companionship economy at 50 billion yuan in 2025 and notes over 200 million flexible workers.
Chen Wenxin, a former army member, founded a firm with 370 workers that charges 800 yuan for daytime climbs on Mount Tai.
Sami Wong says paid companions lower anxiety, enabling Tang Junxing to earn 3,000-5,000 yuan a month serving women.

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Story summary

Hikers can book paid “climbing buddies” on Mount Tai for a few hundred yuan.
State media values the companionship economy at 50 billion yuan in 2025 and notes over 200 million flexible workers.
Chen Wenxin, a former army member, founded a firm with 370 workers that charges 800 yuan for daytime climbs on Mount Tai.
Sami Wong says paid companions lower anxiety, enabling Tang Junxing to earn 3,000-5,000 yuan a month serving women.