A Chinese young person and her travelling "dazi" cycle in Grindelwald, Switzerland, in May 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

Whether dining out, working out or traveling, the younger generation is increasingly seeking companions — known as "dazi" — for various activities. In recent years, the term has gained widespread popularity across social media platforms. 

Over 80 percent of young people have transformed their "dazi" connections from casual companions to deeper friendships, indicating that "dazi" relationships — originating from interest-based connections and light companionship — have become an effective means for young adults to make new friends and deepen existing bonds, according to Xinhua Net, citing a 2023 report on young people's "dazi" social relationships published by a research institution named Just So Soul set by Soul app.

This trend shows no sign of slowing down. A 2025 report on young adults' lifestyle insights published by a data service company named endata reveals that "dazi" culture has become integral to their daily lives, serving as a means to seek emotional resonance. In 2024 alone, "dazi"-related topics amassed nearly 13 million social media mentions and 3.33 billion interactions, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Currently, young people are progressing from having gaming or milk tea companions to sharing significant life events, such as car or apartment purchases. An expert told the Global Times that these relationships are not only diversifying but also deepening, reflecting a shift toward more meaningful connections in a fast-paced society.

Embedded in daily lives

Liu Ying, a 28-year-old internet industry worker in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, has seamlessly integrated "dazi" culture into various aspects of her life, including dining, travel, working out and study.

Her most unique bond is with a "dazi" companion she met through a company takeout group chat in 2022. They have maintained a weekly dining ritual ever since, even sharing identical dipping sauce recipes for hotpot.

"After work, we instinctively check in with each other. This small ritual helps me decompress from daily stress," Liu said. "Many assume we've been friends for over a decade based on how often we chat and meet. Yet outside our meal and work contexts, I know little about her life, but I trust her completely."

On Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, hashtags about "long-term dazi" have garnered around 400,000 views, with netizens sharing experiences, reflections and even seeking long-term partners.

Beyond daily life activities, the self-media worker Yang Yang is also interested in evolving "dazi" relationships from shared hobbies to major life decisions, and she has already put this into practice.

Turns to big commitments

Two years ago, during a trip they took together, Yang and her long-time travel "dazi" discussed buying an apartment together. "Since our workplaces are close but both of us live far from our families, we decided to buy an apartment near our workplaces," Yang said.

Although Yang has many hobbies, and her "dazi" has few pursuits, they are still able to converse with ease.

Before finalizing the purchase, Yang and her "dazi" researched online and discovered they weren't pioneers in this approach, which bolstered their confidence. On Xiaohongshu, related hashtags have garnered between 200,000 and 800,000 views, with comment sections under highly upvoted posts filled with shared experiences and inquiries.

"High-value assets like property, once seen as exclusive to spouses or family ties, are now part of a shift — we're dissolving these traditional bonds with 'dazi' of our own choosing," she said.

However, after Yang shared her story on social media, the comment section became flooded with concerns about real-world complications, despite her many explanations.

Reasons and controversies

"At its core, 'dazi' culture reflects the intrinsic emotional needs of a young generation, while its evolution demonstrates the accumulation of trust and the escalation of emotional demands. This shift represents a unique form of modern social interaction," Liu Haihua, a researcher at the research center on Personality and Social Psychology in Peking University, told the Global Times.

"Unlike traditional bonds built on proximity, digital connections let people with shared interests — like skiing groups splitting costs — form task-based 'dazi' ties. At this initial stage, 'dazi' relationships are task-oriented, characterized by serving instrumental or functional needs," Liu noted.

"As interactions deepen, these relationships enter a phase of self-disclosure, marking a transition from instrumental support to emotional support."
"However, as such connections involve significant collaboration, potential risks also increase," said Liu.

"When significant interests are involved, multiple factors must be considered. Ideally, both parties should have similar financial conditions and family backgrounds to reduce friction. The relationship should be stable, with at least a year spent together to assess compatibility. Personality alignment is also crucial."

Nevertheless, like Yang, there are many who share the same mindset and are willing to put in the effort to tackle these tedious issues and attempt to establish a closer, more life-oriented connection with someone they've filtered through the "dazi" approach.

"My post attracted about 40 messages seeking advice, ranging from motivations to legal specifics, and some even updating me later about their home-buying decisions. It's both surprising and inspiring. Perhaps my experience can give more people the courage to try," Yang said.