THE IDEA OF A MARRAIGE BUDDY IN CHINA

Instead, Linda went online to find a so-called marriage buddy to pair up with in a fake relationship. While it may sound deceptive to fake a marriage, she explains it’s about navigating Chinese tradition on her own terms.

“I have lots of friends in my life so I don’t usually feel lonely or bored. I actually feel quite happy and fulfilled living alone. But because of the traditional expectations, the pressure from family in society, they think I’ve reached the right age to get married.”

Linda’s found a match and hopes her wedding will help fulfil one of her grandfather’s last wishes, but she and her fake husband have also set clear boundaries.

“We have made some agreements. We will stay financially independent. We won’t live together, and won’t share daily life together like a conventional couple… but we will both make time to look after each other’s families when needed.”

Wanqing Zhang from the BBC’s Global China Unit says Linda isn’t unique and that increasing numbers of young people in China are pretending to marry to please their families.

“People choose to have a marriage buddy because they want to make their parents happy.”

But as Wanqing explains, the idea hasn’t come from out of nowhere.

“In recent years it has been very popular for young Chinese people to search for a buddy on social media if you want a companion in your life. If you are into running, you find a running buddy. The idea of a marriage buddy is actually an extreme version of this buddy culture.”