Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children'

A new industry being dubbed the “loneliness economy” has emerged in China, with people hiring themselves out as companions to help the elderly. 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. Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children' Video, 00:01:38Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children' Up Next.

Rare look at the remote engine rooms fuelling China's AI boom. Video, 00:01:07Rare look at the remote engine rooms fuelling China's AI boom The world’s two most powerful men just met. How did it go? Video, 00:01:12The world’s two most powerful men just met. How did it go? AI or real? BBC analyses viral China disaster videos. Video, 00:01:41AI or real? BBC analyses viral China disaster videos Robot horse and rider steal the spotlight at Chinese conference. Video, 00:00:38Robot horse and rider steal the spotlight at Chinese conference 'If we don't scream, they won't listen to us': Student protesters speak to BBC in Paris. Video, 00:01:14'If we