China is spending billions on "emotional value". Here is why the companionship economy is the next big thing, and how RentBabe already lets you experience it in Singapore.
Across China, a buzzword is reshaping how people spend: "qing xu jia zhi", or emotional value. Consumers are no longer paying only for what a product or service does, but for how it makes them feel. From companion climbers on Mount Tai to themed cafes and collectible toys, an entire companionship economy has grown around the simple human need for connection. Here is what is driving it, and how you can experience the same emotional value on RentBabe today:
- 1. Emotional value is the new luxury: People increasingly pay for comfort, encouragement, and shared moments, not just goods.
- 2. China's companionship economy is booming: Paid companions, from hiking partners to conversation buddies, are now mainstream.
- 3. The numbers are staggering: China's emotional consumption market is projected to top 4.5 trillion yuan (about US$662 billion) by 2029.
- 4. Singapore feels the same shift: Busy schedules and modern loneliness mean demand for genuine company is rising here too.
- 5. RentBabe is built for this: You can already book a friendly local companion for meals, events, activities, or just good conversation.
Emotional value is not a passing fad. It reflects how a whole generation now thinks about time, money, and connection. And you do not need to fly to Shanghai to experience it, because RentBabe brings the companionship economy to your city.
What Is Emotional Value
Before RentBabe fits in, it helps to understand what "emotional value" actually means and why it is suddenly everywhere.
Paying for feelings, not just function
A cultural barometer of our times

China's Companionship Economy
The clearest face of emotional value is the rise of paid companionship, where company itself is the product.
Companion climbers on Mount Tai
From a niche idea to a nationwide trend

Singapore Feels It Too
You do not have to be in China to feel the pull of the emotional value economy.
Modern life is busy and isolating
Demand for real company is growing

How RentBabe Delivers Emotional Value
This is exactly the experience RentBabe was built to offer, right here in Singapore.
Friendly local companions, on your terms
Comfort, encouragement, and shared moments

Booking Your First Companion on RentBabe
Ready to experience the companionship economy for yourself? Getting started takes just a few minutes.
Browse, choose, and book
Make the most of the experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the emotional value economy and how to experience it on RentBabe.
What is the emotional value economy?
Can I experience the companionship economy in Singapore?
How do I book a companion on RentBabe?
Source
Credit where it is due. The wider trend reporting referenced in this post comes from CNA.
Further reading
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