China’s Emotional Economy: Why People Are Hiring "Companion Climbers" (opens in new tab)

Emotional value\. It doesn't sound terribly exciting\. But for many in China, it is so desirable that they are paying good money for it\. What exactly is 'emotional value', though? How did it become such a sought-after commodity? To find out, Krystal Chia sets out from Shanghai - China’s financial heart - to trek up a sacred mountain and also make some off-beat friends\. Follow her on this journey to uncover the connection between the quest for emotional value and the state of Chinese society...