The cultural economy of Xiangqin: an analysis of the ‘intimate business’ on Chinese television, date-renting sites and mobile phones

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the cultural economy of Xiangqin in contemporary China. Xiangqin translates as ‘marriage matchmaking’ or ‘blind dating’ in English. An analysis of Chinese television dating shows reveals that commercial Xiangqin programmes have strategically ‘arrested emotions’ of participants and maximized economic opportunities for both corporations and individuals. Similarly, the growing business of date-renting suggests Xiangqin has turned into a popular shared service among China’s post- sex revolution youth, and become intertwined with paradoxes of familial obligations, emotions, and economic motives. Mobile matchmaking apps have emerged as an innovative tool providing mobile phone users with considerable mobility, autonomy and privacy. However, they have simultaneously reinforced the role of parents in their children’s mate selection. This article argues that China’s cultural convention of Xiangqin has been transformed from a marriage practice into an economic conduct. This has not only boosted China’s intimate business but also given rise to a dating culture which is simultaneously individual, social, liberating, and concerning.