Meet Tian Xin, China’s new cyber matchmaker that’s rattling the online dating market. She organizes dynamic, livestreamed group dates on Xiaohongshu, the most popular social media app in China. For over a year, she has attracted a dedicated following, amassing over 130,000 followers while balancing her day job at a tech firm. By night, she’s a romantic matchmaker, turning her boathouse into a convivial space for singles seeking love.
Tian Xin’s unconventional method involves the novel use of video chatrooms paired with love-centric Chinese pop music to create a energetic environment for participants. Her livestreams attract hundreds of viewers and commentators in real-time, providing an interactive experience that many find refreshing compared to traditional dating apps. Participants answer a series of questions regarding their personal backgrounds, including age, weight, height, job, income, location, zodiac sign, hobbies, and partner preferences. This organized but relaxed format creates an environment where singles can engage in impactful connections.
As the primary thematic moderator, Tian Xin is deeply engaged in actively managing discussions. Beyond land use, she offers relationship advice and ensures that participants feel encouraged every step of the way. Her personal, empathetic approach to matchmaking is at the heart of her matchmaking philosophy.
“Empathy is the most important thing. You need to be empathetic to what people say,” – Tian Xin
Chen, a 25-year-old medical student, told us how much he’s been inspired by Tian Xin’s creative approaches. He even learned through one of her livestreamed chat that he his first crush in love with her! The combined stress of his residency program began to take a toll on Chen. It became harder for him to connect socially or go out on dates.
“The pressure of study and work is very strong. I don’t have time to socialize with people and make friends,” – Chen
As a previously shy and introverted person, Chen had been finding it difficult to connect with prospective mates. Tian Xin’s platform gave him the tools to reach out. With that kind of support growing around him, he was able to go deep and really be himself.
Christine Zhang, another participant echoed Chen’s enthusiasm for livestreams as a medium that provides a more enriching experience than conventional dating apps. Perhaps most importantly, she highlighted the power of looking beyond profile pictures.
“You can see more than just photos on profiles in livestreams. You can see how one person speaks and acts,” – Christine Zhang
Zhang talked about the personal development that she underwent during the process. She opened up about the challenges of dating. It takes great emotional courage to lay emotions out like this in front of the camera.
“Finding love is hard. I had to muster the courage to share my feelings in front of the camera,” – Christine Zhang
Bravery, Zhang insists, is essential when it comes to love. Her experience is representative of a growing trend among young unmarried people. They’re looking for new methods to relate in a life more and more outlined by quick, impersonal interactions that overlook the private and intimate.
“I think only those who are brave find love,” – Christine Zhang
Tian Xin’s WeChat livestreams welcome strangers to unpack their emotional baggage however they please. This connection helps to build authentic relationships without the awkwardness of conventional dating. This new playing format really speaks to someone like Chen and Zhang. Yet they face the same tremendous pressures in their everyday lives.
