China ‘city work’ new dating trend promotes love on the move as couples earn extra cash

China’s young city dwellers have embraced a quirky new dating trend known as “city work,” where couples enhance their romantic evenings by riding e-bikes and delivering takeaways. This innovative approach allows them to combat burnout while earning a little extra cash.Departing from the traditional “Beijing drifter” dating style characterised by lavish dinners, couples are now opting for a fun twist: delivering meals together after a long workday.For many, life has morphed into a monotonous routine, filled with endless commutes and evenings spent mindlessly scrolling through short videos. However, they have discovered that light physical activity can effectively alleviate stress and fatigue.Food delivery is a rapidly growing global industry, with China leading as its largest and most innovative market. Photo: ShutterstockDuring these unique dates, one partner typically rides the scooter while the other takes charge of picking up and delivering orders, transforming work into a playful shared experience. Couples find themselves laughing their way through the city, often remarking that this activity has strengthened their bond.“In the past, they said that travelling together reveals a person’s true character. Now, sharing a takeaway shift serves as the ultimate stress test. A friend once told me, ‘After three blind dates in cafes, I could not get to know anyone. But after one delivery shift, everything became clear,’” shared one individual.Many believe this trend not only saves couples money on traditional dates but also provides an opportunity to earn supplementary income together.Take, for instance, a woman surnamed Li from Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province, who began delivering food with her partner in July 2025. The couple typically spend around two hours each evening on the road, completing five to eight orders and earning about 40 yuan per shift, which adds up to over 1,000 yuan (US$140) per month.During these unconventional dates, one partner typically rides the scooter while the other handles the order pickup and delivery, creating an evolved version of the traditional delivery rider experience. Photo: www.worldjournal.com