A new dating app in China, Liangpei AI, has introduced a controversial refund policy, offering users a full refund of their annual membership fee if they remain unmarried after three years. Launched in July, the app charges 2,000 yuan (US$300) per year, with the refund condition tied to marital status.
The policy challenges traditional dating app models that rely on user retention through subscription fees. Liangpei AI’s approach reflects growing consumer skepticism toward dating platforms, which are often criticized for prioritizing profit over meaningful connections. The app’s strategy is designed to attract users by offering a financial incentive for marriage, a goal widely seen as central to social stability in China.
China’s online dating market reached 22.6 billion yuan (US$3.4 billion) in 2024, indicating a mature and competitive industry. Liangpei AI’s bold move highlights a shift in consumer expectations, with users increasingly demanding transparency and tangible outcomes from digital services. The app’s success will depend on its ability to balance commercial viability with the cultural pressures surrounding marriage in Chinese society.
