In Zhejiang province’s countryside, women gather over coffee and board games at a rural cottage designed exclusively for female residents, part of a growing network of women-only co-living spaces that blend business innovation with personal sanctuary.
Building Businesses Around Women’s Needs
These Women-Only Co-Living Spaces provide more than accommodation; they function as communities where women share support, companionship, and creative opportunities. For many participants, the appeal lies in escaping social pressures while finding an environment that feels safe. “An all-women environment makes me feel safe,” said Zhang Wenjing, 43, explaining that conversations about personal topics come more naturally without men present.
At “Keke’s Imaginative Space,” residents pay a modest fee of 30 yuan (about $4.17) per night, with pricing capped at 80 yuan from the fourth day onward. The project was founded by 30-year-old entrepreneur Chen Yani, known as “Keke,” after her own challenging workplace experiences. “I started thinking about what a safe and relaxed work environment would look like,” she said. By transforming a house in Lin’an, near Hangzhou, into a retreat, she created a model that balances affordability with emotional value for its guests.
Her initiative quickly gained traction. A social media post during Chinese New Year attracted twelve women seeking either respite from holiday family expectations or a chance to recharge outside urban stress. The gathering confirmed to Chen that there was untapped demand for gender-specific spaces where women could simply be themselves.
Expanding a Lifestyle Trend
Women’s rising economic independence in China has opened doors for businesses that align with their evolving needs. Co-living ventures like Chen’s tap into this trend by blending hospitality, wellness, and community support. Guests describe these retreats as opportunities to explore alternative lifestyles shaped by financial autonomy and shared experiences.
Social media platforms, particularly Xiaohongshu (known internationally as Rednote), have played a key role in connecting women to such communities. Exposure to stories of empowerment and alternative living models has fueled demand for Women-Only Co-Living Spaces across the country.
Another notable example is “Her Space,” founded by Yang Yun in June in Xiuxi village, Zhejiang. Styled like a boutique hotel with rustic charm, it positions itself as a “spiritual haven.” Membership costs 3,980 yuan, and more than 120 women have already joined. Yang explains that the purpose goes beyond physical visits: “The important thing is that this place exists. It gives them mental strength.”
Similarly, Beijing-based cultural hub “Half the Sky,” founded by Lilith Jiang, extends the concept into urban settings. These ventures highlight the scalability of women-focused business models that mix lifestyle, wellness, and long-term community living. Jiang envisions future applications such as retirement-oriented co-living structures, addressing concerns among single women about ageing alone.
A Business Model Rooted in Well-Being
Though many of these projects are still in their early stages, profitability is not always the immediate goal. Founders often emphasize the social value of creating safe, supportive environments over financial returns. “As long as there’s demand, this place will continue to exist,” said Chen.
For entrepreneurs like Chen, Yang, and Jiang, the opportunity lies in serving a market segment historically underserved by traditional hospitality or co-working industries. By aligning services with women’s unique needs—ranging from emotional safety to companionship—these ventures demonstrate how gender-focused innovation can carve out sustainable niches.
As China’s female workforce continues to gain education, income, and social mobility, the demand for Women-Only Co-Living Spaces is expected to grow. Whether in rural retreats or urban cultural hubs, these initiatives are redefining what modern living can mean for women—prioritizing comfort, security, and community.
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