‘Man mums’ in China gain popularity for selling 5-minute hugs to women for Rs 600 

A quick search on social media reveals numerous posts from women in major cities actively seeking out these paid hugs. (Representational image: Unsplash)

A surprising new trend is sweeping across China, as a growing number of young women are reportedly paying for quick, stress-relieving hugs from male companions dubbed "man mums." These five-minute embraces, costing around 50 yuan (about Rs 600), are offering a unique form of comfort in a fast-paced society.

The term "man mums" has recently gained traction on Chinese social media. While it originally referred to muscular gym enthusiasts, it now describes men who combine physical strength with gentler, more patient, and traditionally feminine qualities, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

The trend gained significant public attention after a stressed-out student posted online about her desire to pay for a hug from a kind, fit "man mum" to cope with thesis pressure. "I was hugged once in secondary school and felt safe. We can just hug for five minutes at an underground station," she wrote. Her post quickly went viral and soon after, a quick search on social media reveals numerous posts from women in major cities actively seeking out these paid hugs.

As per the SCMP report, most of these paid hugs occur in public areas such as underground stations or bustling shopping centres, with prices typically ranging from 20 to 50 yuan (about Rs 250 to  Rs 600). One woman recounted finding a "man mum" after three hours of overtime, who hugged her for three minutes, gently patting her shoulder as she aired her frustrations about her boss. Another woman, identified only by her surname Chen, found solace in a hug from a postgraduate student after a disheartening diet setback.

But it's not always the women who find value in these hugs. One man, who has provided three hugs so far, told the publication that it gives him a "sense of self-worth." Another man, Zhou, believes his service genuinely helps others, noting that many of his clients are battling appearance anxiety or work-related stress. As of April, Zhou had given 34 hugs, earning 1,758 yuan (about Rs 21,000). He further added that he doesn't intend to make a living from hugging, but charging a fee helps maintain a professional distance.

The trend has, however, sparked a debate online. One social media user commented, "Man mums offer a gentler, more comforting embrace than typical masculine types." But another person cautioned, "Do not disguise physical desire as healing. Try doing volunteer work instead."