In China, a growing number of unemployed young adults are paying to attend "pretend work" companies to simulate a professional environment amidst a sluggish economy and high youth unemployment rates.

• China's youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, at more than 14%.
• Shui Zhou, 30, pays 30 yuan ($4.20; £3.10) daily to attend the Pretend To Work Company in Dongguan.
• The owner of the Pretend To Work Company in Dongguan, Feiyu (a pseudonym), states he sells "the dignity of not being a useless person."
• Approximately 40% of customers are recent university graduates using the service to prove internship experience.
• The "pretend work" phenomenon is viewed by experts like Dr. Christian Yao as a transitional solution for young people navigating a difficult job market.