Chinese dancers perform at a temple fair at the close of China's Spring Festival celebrating China's lunar in Beijing on February 19, 2013. The fake boyfriend business booms during this time. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo

CHONGQING, China, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- A Chinese man who rents himself out as a fake boyfriend for women to introduce to their families said business booms during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Matthew Fan, 27, of Chongqing, said Monday, Chinese Single's Day, he started renting out his fake boyfriend services to make some extra money and he soon discovered it was a lucrative business, the People's Daily reported Tuesday.


"I wanted to earn some pocket money when I had just graduated from university and started to work," said Fan, who also works full-time as an accounts manager. "This rental business isn't bad, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year when there are family reunions."

Fan and other men offering similar services said they are quickly booking fake boyfriend appointments for the Lunar New Year, which begins Jan. 30, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is also popular for family reunions, the report said.

Fan said he charges $131 per day in mainland China, $246 per day in Hong Kong, with a three-day minimum and a requirement that the client pays for his accommodations, meals, transportation and other expenses.

Fan said he has a girlfriend who does not know about his side job.

"I only rent my time, not my body -- you know what I mean," he said.