Young Chinese women pay female cosplayers to live out their dream dates

During her final years of high school, Chinese teenager Xu Yunting discovered a unique way to make extra money- transforming herself into male video game characters and going on dates with their female fans. As per a report by AFP, this growing trend, known as "cos commissioning," is gaining popularity in China, with social media posts about it racking up millions of views.

Last month in Shanghai, Xu meticulously prepared for her role as "Jesse," a character from the romance mobile game Light and Night. The transformation included inserting contacts to enlarge her irises and donning a tangerine wig. Jesse, a tall and sensitive musician, is one of five characters in the game who woo players. For client Feng Xinyu, a 19-year-old who identifies as a "dream girl," Jesse was the perfect match.

Feng, who prefers anime characters over real-life men, explained, "I don't have a boyfriend because I'm not interested in 3D men. I like anime characters a little bit more; they're more appealing to me."


Light and Night, developed by tech giant Tencent, aims to offer a highly immersive romantic experience targeted at young women. Feng and others like her form strong emotional connections with these characters, and "cos commissioning" takes this connection to a new level by bringing these 2D figures into the real world.

Feng has previously hired Xu twice, paying around $70 each time. Last month, she spent $2,800 on a multi-day trip with another Jesse cosplayer, only to decide she preferred Xu's portrayal and hired her for a third date. "We really click," Feng said. "She's just like the character from the game; it feels like we were meant to be together."

The date, planned and funded entirely by Feng, lasted all day, including tea, a hotpot meal, and a romantic stroll. They also attended a doll-painting workshop and a cake-decorating class, joining many other "cos commissioning" pairs. Staff at these venues have noted an increase in such couples over the past year.

Experts suggest that this trend offers young women a chance to experience an idealized relationship, countering traditional conservative attitudes towards women in China. Hiring a female cosplayer allows for a level of equality and understanding not always present in real-life relationships.

Fudan University’s Tian Qian noted, "What is important is that (the cosplayer) is a vessel, because the client needs a vehicle for their emotions." Another academic, Zhou Zixing, observed that cos commissioning helps women "gain a voice that is fully respected by the opposite sex," challenging and reshaping traditional gender norms.

Xu, reflecting on her role, said, "The guys in the games are all quality guys. I think clients will be able to improve their expectations in real life, so they don’t settle for low-quality guys."

Initially shocked by her daughter's activities, Xu's mother, Fang Xiuqing, has come to view it as a positive hobby. "She gets enjoyment from it, and she also brings joy to others," Fang said.

Tian added that these commissions can provide "emotional sustenance," offering a sense of being seen and a form of healing.

Inputs from AFP