Virtual girlfriends latest hot item on Taobao

Virtual boyfriends and girlfriends are now available for purchase online, where operators simulate relationships through phone calls and text messages for a daily fee, media reported Wednesday.

For up to 50 yuan ($8.15) a day, a virtual relationship includes chatting on WeChat or QQ during the day, bookended with a good morning and good night call. Buyers select the personality of their digital partner, who promises to listen to their complaints and worries, as well as help cheer them up.

More than 1,000 customers have purchased the service within three months in the many shops on taobao.com, said media.

Any sexual advances or requests are grounds to terminate the relationship, according to the sellers.

Some Net users expressed their support for the service. "I bought an online girlfriend out of curiosity and she was very energetic," said graduate student Liu Yongxue. "She had a nice voice and always made me happy."