India, June 8 -- Young women in China are spending as much as $7 (around Rs.600) for a five-minute hug from muscular men, who are now being referred to as "man mums." These stress-relieving embraces have become a trending phenomenon on Chinese social media.

"Man mums" are gym-goers known for their muscular build, but are also described as having so-called feminine traits such as gentleness and patience. Among their clients are stressed-out students and lonely women who seek comfort through paid hugs to cope with emotional fatigue, sadness, and work pressure.

"I was hugged once in secondary school and felt safe. We can just hug for five minutes at an underground station," one woman wrote on social media, as reported by the South China Mo...