Life without copilot a growing phenomenon

Xu Fan, a 31-year-old human resources worker in Beijing, has lived alone for five years, which suits her yearning for complete freedom and control over her ways of doing things.

"I can decorate my apartment the way I like and keep it clean and organized without worrying about tolerating another's preferences or habits," Xu said.

She also considers herself an introvert, longing for solitude after work.