Who Are ‘Man Mums'? The 5-Minute Women-Only Service In China For Rs 600. Know What They Offer

News18

12 hours ago

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Man mums initially meant strong men who are muscular, but now women choose who to hug based on qualities like kindness, patience, looks and body shape.
In China, young women are paying about 50 yuan (approximately Rs 600) for a five-minute hug from men called 'man mums.' This unusual trend is growing on Chinese social media and it offers comfort during stressful times. At first, 'man mums' meant strong, muscular men, but now women choose who to hug based on qualities like kindness, patience, looks and body shape.
They arrange meetings through chat apps and hugs usually happen in public places like subway stations or malls. The price for a short hug usually costs between 20 to 50 yuan (approximately Rs 200 to Rs 600).
According to the South China Morning Post, Zhou, who has hugged 34 times, said he earned 1,758 yuan (approximately Rs 21,000) and hopes his hugs help women feel better when they struggle with worries about their body or work pressure. The man offering hugs says he has no plans to turn it into a full time job. For him, charging a small fee helps keep clear boundaries. It makes the experience feel more professional and less personal.
Another man who has given hugs a few times said that doing this makes him feel good about himself. He feels more confident and important because he can help others feel better through his hugs. A student feeling uneasy with her thesis shared that she was looking to pay for a hug from a caring and fit man to help relieve stress. She remembered being hugged once back in school and said it made her feel safe. She suggested meeting at an underground station and keeping the hug short.
Some women also feel that paying for the hug makes the situation safer and more respectful. It helps avoid misunderstandings or unwanted behaviour, as both sides know the rules and limits from the start.
First Published:
June 06, 2025, 15:08 IST