Shocking Video Shows Women Allegedly Offering Sex For Just $21.50 In China As Its Economy Declines

A troubling video circulating online appears to show two women in China allegedly offering sexual services for as little as 150 yuan, about $21.50, raising concerns about the persistence of underground prostitution and the economic pressures facing some workers.

The footage, which has spread widely across social media, reportedly shows the women speaking with the person filming while discussing the low price. Viewers have pointed to the clip as an example of what they claim is becoming a growing trend in certain areas, with multiple women appearing to offer similar services at extremely low rates.

Prostitution is illegal in China, yet experts say it continues to operate widely underground despite periodic crackdowns by authorities.

Estimates from the United Nations suggest that between four and six million women may be involved in sex work across the country. Much of this activity is believed to be driven by rural to urban migration and limited economic opportunities for low income workers seeking jobs in major cities.

Researchers and advocacy groups have estimated the broader underground industry could be worth as much as 100 billion yuan annually, making it one of the largest illicit economies in the country.

The viral clip has also emerged during a period of economic uncertainty in China. The country has faced a slowdown in growth during 2025 and 2026, with youth unemployment reportedly hovering near 15 percent. Analysts say rapid factory automation and changing industrial conditions have also displaced some workers who once relied on manufacturing jobs.

These economic challenges can make migrant workers especially vulnerable when stable employment proves difficult to find.

While the footage has fueled online claims that worsening economic conditions are driving more women into prostitution, experts caution that a direct link between the viral video and broader national trends cannot be confirmed from isolated clips.

Nevertheless, the images have reignited debate about the gap between official narratives of prosperity and the economic realities faced by some workers across parts of the country.