Women in China are choosing to live in all-female spaces, away from men
Across China, a growing number of women are choosing to live, work and socialise in women-only spaces — communities that are designed to provide safety, companionship and a break from the social pressures that many face at home and in the workplace.
In Zhejiang province, one such project has taken shape in a renovated cottage in the mountains. Women gather at "Keke's Imaginative Space" to cook, play board games and talk freely in an environment they say feels free from judgement.
Accommodation at the site starts at 30 yuan (about $4.15) per night, with prices rising to 80 yuan (about $11) after the fourth day.
The initiative was founded by Chen Yani, known as “Keke.” She said her own negative experiences with men in the workplace encouraged her to establish a space where women could feel at ease.
Her first experiment came during the Lunar New Year, when she invited women through the social media platform Xiaohongshu, also called Rednote. Twelve women arrived for the initial stay.
Some participants said they wanted to escape persistent family questions about marriage and children. Others joined to take a temporary break from caring responsibilities or simply to enjoy a change of surroundings.
“Within the family, women often have to take care of grandparents, children and household chores. Not to mention work responsibilities,” Chen said. “They need a place where they don’t have to play a role and can just be themselves.”
"Personally, I worked in a high-pressure environment for a long time. I hope to have a space where I can fully relax," she added. "When I had the idea [of creating this space], I feel that maybe lots of women are in the same predicament, so they would also need such a place like this."
Social media has played a key role in spreading awareness of alternative lifestyles. Platforms like Rednote are increasingly used to promote communities and connect women with similar interests.
In Beijing, a cultural space called "Half the Sky" has been established to give women a venue for social and creative activities. Its founder, Lilith Jiang, said such projects address a gap in daily life.
“Men have plenty of opportunities to socialise, while drinking or while exercising,” she said. “Women don’t have that.”
Jiang added that women-only communities could also provide a longer-term answer for those worried about ageing alone.
“Women are constantly told: ‘If you don’t get married, what will become of you when you get older?’” she said. “But long-term, all-female shared co-living spaces where women can grow old together could be a solution.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
