Recently, some netizens discovered that some errand running platforms have launched new businesses, including kowtow on behalf of others. It is reported that this service is mainly aimed at users who are unable to return to their hometowns for the New Year due to work or distance reasons. It provides services such as kowtowing to their elders, sending New Year's goods, and posting Spring Festival couplets on their behalf. The "kowtowing package" priced at 999 yuan includes real-time video live broadcast, auspicious blessings, and the performance of traditional etiquette.
In addition, some platforms also provide 199 Yuan to pay New Year greetings (including purchasing and delivering New Year goods, sending blessings as required, asking for red envelopes from elders, relatives and friends, and can visit 3 households at a time), 69 Yuan to post Spring Festival couplets and other graded services (including purchasing couplets + blessing characters, affixing Spring Festival couplets and blessing characters on them, and basically cleaning the door).
This type of service is regarded by some as "emotional compensation" to alleviate the plight of filial piety for foreigners, especially for overseas groups and empty-nest elderly families.
This also triggered a heated discussion among netizens. Some people applauded the case and thought it was a life-saving straw for foreigners. Some people were furious and criticized it as a violation of filial piety and disrespect for workers.
