Single solution to rise of 'solo economy'

More Chinese are choosing to live alone, reshaping spending and tourism habits

Xia Xiaosen, a 39-year-old content creator from Dalian, Liaoning province, who lives alone, prefers to buy fewer items but spend more on quality goods. One of her biggest monthly household expenses is her beloved cat Statham.

When she left the comfort of the family home five years ago, she soon discovered that greater independence came with a price tag. Setting up a household from scratch meant buying furniture, appliances and household items, something she had never thought about before.