A number of unlawful establishments offering erotic sessions with silicone sex dolls have recently emerged in Shenzhen, attracting a diverse clientele that includes single men from Hong Kong while also posing challenges to law enforcement.
One of these so-called "experience sites" provided only contacts on social media tools and platforms. It was revealed that the establishments operate in serviced apartments, providing disposable towels, UV disinfection, and remote entry to maintain privacy.
The operator said the silicon dolls have realistic voices. They also heat up for a lifelike body contact. The "service charge" ranges from 299 to 599 yuan, and customers can choose to stay overnight.
The establishment claimed all dolls and the items in the room were sanitized after every single session.
A silicone doll maker said investors can join their franchise for a 19,800-yuan fee and by renting a well decorated apartment. Doll bodies and online promotion are provided for "start-ups."
The laws in the mainland do not explicitly prohibit the sex toy trade, which creates grey areas that allow operators to manage "experience sites" under specific licenses. However, the public equates these establishments with prostitution -- which is banned in China -- and has resulted in a flood of complaints to law enforcement.
The prevailing disapproval has compelled operators to conduct their businesses discreetly to minimize potential conflicts with regulatory authorities. Law enforcement agencies have encountered challenges when enforcing, but they can only increase the frequency of inspections.
The first silicone doll experience site on the mainland opened in September 2018, attracting many single workers. Police eradicated a second location that opened in 2020 in March 2021. Sites in other provinces continue to operate discreetly.
