Table for one, please! Living solo and the culture of quietude booms in China

Editor's note: Shanaaz Prince is a multimedia editor for CGTN Digital. This article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

I love going on solo dates. Whether it's eating out and journaling or catching a movie by myself, there's something deeply restorative and refreshing about good quality me time.

Of course, and certainly true, is the famous proverb, "No man is an island" – but it sure is nice to have an island escape every now and then.

In a world that often equates solitude with loneliness, China is quietly rewriting the script and turning alone time into a cultural and economic phenomenon that's reshaping society and consumer products.

For many, a solo lifestyle stretches beyond just outings and into their living experience too. This kind of lifestyle can also have great value for some, bringing peace and a sense of healthy boundaries.

Chinese society is known for the high value it places on community and family, but as social attitudes shift, a new demographic is emerging: the solo dweller.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, single-person households accounted for nearly 20 percent of all Chinese households in 2024, a noticeable increase from previous years.

It's a profound social transformation, driven by declining marriage and fertility rates, increased mobility and a generational redefinition of what it means to live well.

With the rise of solo living comes what has been dubbed the "loneliness economy," which has developed a booming market of products and services tailored to people who live alone.

Quickly technology caught up with apps like "Are You Dead Yet?," which soared to the top of China's paid app charts earlier this year. The app's idea is that users check in daily to confirm their safety, and if they miss a check-in, an alert is sent to an emergency contact.

While the name sparked debate, its popularity revealed a deeper truth: millions of Chinese are living alone, often far from family and are seeking new ways to stay connected and safe.

The shift has also become more visible in China's restaurants. Once, eating alone might have drawn stares or pity. Today, it's a celebrated choice. Chains like McDonald's and countless local eateries have introduced private, single-person tables separated by partitions, winning praise on social media for making solo dining comfortable and even stylish. The one-person dining trend is booming.

The solo-dining market was estimated to reach about 800 billion yuan (around $115 billion) in 2025, CCTV Finance reported quoting the 2025-2030 Research Report of Analysis of Development and Prediction of Prospect of Solo-Eating Economy and Industry in China. Offerings like ramen bars with privacy screens, single mini hot pots or hot pot cups and precisely portioned takeout meals, even available at grocery stores, are all catering to the solo diner. Restaurants are increasingly labelling menus and experiences as "solo dining" to attract this growing customer base. Some food delivery apps even have a filter where customers can select single meals.

Many people now see dining alone as a form of convenience, comfort, self-care and personal time, rather than a social failure.

The solo lifestyle is also fueling a boom in single-living-friendly household products, perfect for individual consumption. 

Outlets, brands and services are adapting to this wave and customizing accordingly with compact washing machines, mini fridges and single-serving kitchen appliances, like microwaves and one-person rice cookers, flying off the shelves. Sales of these products have surged as manufacturers and retailers recognize the unique needs of single-person households.

Travel is also adjusting to this new norm, as train services accommodate a "culture of quietude." China's railway network will expand its "quiet carriage" service to nearly all high-speed trains from February 1. This reflects a shift toward more considerate travel. The quiet carriage offers passengers a peaceful environment, relying on voluntary compliance and mutual respect rather than strict enforcement. This initiative recognizes diverse travel needs and encourages self-regulation. By providing a choice for silence, it allows for a calmer, more respectful public space, benefiting concentration, relaxation and overall travel experience.

The culture of quietude is about creating spaces, both physical and digital, where people can recharge, reflect and reconnect with themselves.

Younger generations are redefining what it means to live a good life. In a hyper-competitive job market with rising living costs, traditional milestones like marriage and homeownership are increasingly out of reach. Instead, young people are embracing self-care, treating themselves to small luxuries and finding joy in their own company.

Social media memes like "Ai ni laoji!" ("Love you, dear self") have gone viral, reflecting a new ethos of self-love and self-reward. The trend has seen users posting about small joys like enjoying a late-night snack after working overtime or praising themselves after a hard study session to promote self-compassion and immediate self-reward.

Alone time is no longer seen as a sign of crisis or deficiency but as a necessary and even desirable part of modern life.

In June 2021, the Beike Research Institute released the Report on the New Era of Solo Living. According to the report, the number of people living on their own may reach 200 million by 2030, making the rate of living alone more than 30 percent of the general population. The report further details that the number of young people aged between 20-39 may increase from 18 million in 2010 to between 40-70 million by 2030, statistics consistent with demographic trends.

The report further states that living alone will become increasingly concentrated in the future, with the country's single-person population occupying mainly first- and second-tier cities.

China's journey from communal living to the celebration of solitude is far from over. As the solo-living population continues to grow, so too will the market for products and services that cater to their needs. From AI companions to pet ownership, the possibilities are endless.

While the solo life isn't without challenges, often triggering a sense of loneliness and anxiety in some, like most things, it's about striking a balance.  

What's clear is that quietude and single living are no longer shock phenomena. They are part of the story of modern China and the quiet power of being alone, together.