Slow dating apps ‘rizz up’ singles in China

“I believe that genuine connection is rare, so I take my time to ensure the relationship is right,” says Beijing-based Li Wei, a 32-year-old financial analyst. His perspective is echoed by other singletons, who say that China’s modern dating scene now requires balancing career ambitions and familial pressures with the pursuit of meaningful, heartfelt relationships. Despite a plunging marriage rate, dating apps in China are expanding, with the market forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% from 2024 to 2030. Online platforms, such as Xiaohongshu, attract hundreds of thousands of viewers to livestreamed blind date sessions, underscoring sustained enthusiasm for romance, albeit with a modernized approach. Newer dating applications have adapted to these evolving preferences. Slow dating apps reshape China’s online matchmaking landscape Maohu, a “slow dating” app, restricts users to three messages per day and limits each conversation session to five minutes. Soul, a voice-based dating app, prioritizes personality over appearance, allowing users to connect based on voice interactions rather than curated images. These platforms highlight a growing preference for authenticity and meaningful interactions over traditional, appearance-driven engagement. One user commented, “Using Soul feels liberating because it’s my voice that matters, not just a picture,” while another observed, “Maohu’s limited messaging forces us to think before we speak, which leads to more genuine conversations.” Women take control of modern dating in China Women are playing an increasingly active role in shaping China’s dating culture. Studies indicate that rather than adhering to traditional gender expectations, women are strategically navigating digital dating spaces, curating their profiles to filter potential matches and setting clear boundaries regarding relationship progression. A 2024 study titled “When the Hunter Plays the Hunted: Heterosexual Chinese Women’s Negotiations with Hegemonic Sexual Scripts on Dating Apps” explores how women assert control over their dating experiences by managing safety concerns, selecting neutral meeting locations, and, in some cases, requiring medical test results from potential partners before engaging in physical intimacy. Casual relationships are increasingly framed as a means of personal exploration rather than being subject to social stigma, reflecting a broader redefinition of relationship dynamics in contemporary Chinese society. Luxury brands embrace modern femininity in China This cultural transformation is also reflected in branding strategies. Luxury and lifestyle brands have adapted their messaging to resonate with independent, self-assured women. Ferragamo’s “Women Leading Their Own Way” (大女主) campaign, launched in July last year, featured high-profile personalities sharing their perspectives on success while showcasing the brand’s handbags. Similarly, beauty brand Perfect Diary’s “Free Your Ambitions” campaign, rolled out for International Women’s Day last year, emphasized empowerment and individuality. And Arc’teryx, a brand known for its outdoor gear, promoted a campaign centered on women’s adventurous spirit, aligning with shifting attitudes toward independence and self-expression. Social media reactions have been largely positive, with many users on Weibo and Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) praising these campaigns for their celebration of modern femininity. Startups have also embraced these cultural changes. Sobersip, a Shanghai-based brand offering a product designed to mitigate hangovers, has integrated itself into the evolving dating scene by hosting singles’ events that emphasize interaction over conventional speed-dating formats. Singles events prioritize deeper connections over speed dating The format of these events deviates from traditional speed dating. Guests can complete pre-event information to be matched with like-minded people, and have extended time to chat with one another, encouraging deeper conversation and allowing participants to form more substantial connections, moving beyond mere surface-level interactions. According to Christy Hsu, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sobersip, modern dating trends indicate a deliberate approach to romance. She says that younger generations are not rushing into relationships, but instead considering their own values and reputations, particularly in social and nightlife settings. Dating apps in China Momo (陌陌): A widely used dating and social networking app that started as a location-based platform and now incorporates live streaming, group chats, and casual games to connect users. Tantan (探探): A swipe-based dating app similar to Tinder that allows users to quickly indicate interest by swiping right or left, with premium features available to expand match options; it was acquired by Momo. Soul: A dating app that emphasizes personality matching over appearance, requiring users to complete a personality test so that matches are based on shared interests and values, building more genuine connections. Baihe (百合): One of China’s oldest and most serious dating platforms, Baihe is designed for users seeking long-term relationships and marriage, featuring real-name registration, thorough profile verification, and detailed personal information. Qingliao: A dating app that positions itself as a platform for high-quality social interactions, emphasizing verified profiles and thoughtful engagement over rapid, superficial swiping. QingChiFan (请吃饭): A unique app where users initiate dating by inviting each other to a meal, with features that allow invitees to filter invitations based on various criteria, encouraging a natural, food-centered first date. Maohu: A video-centric dating app that adopts a “slow dating” approach by limiting users to three video sessions per day, where matches engage in short, masked video chats designed to encourage genuine conversation. Jimu (积目): A dating app that combines elements of traditional swiping with a social feed focused on lifestyle interests like art, music, and fashion, targeting younger urban users looking for creative connections. Zhenai (珍爱): A traditional matchmaking service that combines online and offline elements, offering personalized matchmaking through professional matchmakers and detailed compatibility assessments, aimed at users seeking serious, long-term relationships. Blued: A leading dating app for the LGBTQ+ community in China, Blued emphasizes privacy and safety by requiring a short video for verification, and it offers features like live streaming and ad-free premium options.

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Slow dating apps ‘rizz up’ singles in China