CHINA'S seedy underworld has been captured in a fascinating series of photographs going behind the scenes of its brothels.

These amazing photos captured by Paolo Marchetti give an insight into the dark side of the Yunnan province, south of China, where rich business men visit during the night to be entertained.

9 A Burmese prostitute inside of his room in the Spa "Lux". 18, of Burmese nationality Credit: Paolo Marchetti

Snaps show clients spending hours with escorts paid to talk, sing and flirt in an industry valued at £220million.

Others show girls dancing on a stage, under which customers who crowd then choose the entertainer of choice.

In the city of Ruilii, young Burmese convinced with promises of jobs are forced by Chinese gang to cross the border and marry Chinese bachelors.

9 Mya works as Cubist and escort between nightlife and luxurious resorts Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 Ruili is the point of collection and sale of younger Burmese, convinced by promises of work or forced by Chinese gangs Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 Ruili continues to have the highest rate of HIV across the country Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 Customers, mostly traders and Chinese businessmen, they choose the girls dancing on a stage in one of the many nightclubs in the city Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 Here in a clothing store where prices are accessible only to the richest. Very often such gifts represent alternative forms of payment for young sex workers. Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 Ms Hien manages massage centre in the town centre. Practically 98% of massage centres consume sexual services between customers and the masseuses, they almost always have professional knowledge improvised and learned more by tradition than for studies certificates Credit: Paolo Marchetti

Others are forced into prostitution in nightclubs and in many massage centres in the city.#

It is where the first outbreak of AIDS in the Middle Kingdom continues to have the highest rate of HIV across the country.

In China, prostitution is illegal but omnipresent, camouflaged with varying degrees of ambiguity.

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of prostitutes in the country had reached 10 million, The China Daily reported.

9 The massage centres are the coverage of activities very different and the girls taken in these centers are mostly underage prostitutes Credit: Paolo Marchetti

9 The hostel called "Three Suns" in the city center, is a well-known brothel, where there work dozens of girls Chinese and especially Burma Credit: Paolo Marchetti

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