{
  "id": 5211020,
  "title": "Chinese entrepreneur launches itch-scratching services, earning US$15,000 a month",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/chinese-entrepreneur-launches-itch-scratching-services-earning-us-15",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T01:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3366154/chinese-entrepreneur-launches-itch-scratching-services-earning-us15000-month"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 32-year-old entrepreneur from southern China has successfully launched an itch-scratching chain business, earning monthly revenues of US$15,000. Zhang Xiaoqiao opened his first \"Suma\" store in Shenzhen's Baoan District in early May, followed by a second location in Futian District a month later. These outlets feature specially designed pointed nails worn by staff to gently scratch customers' bodies while they lie face down on beds, providing a relaxing massage-like experience. Customers pay 300 yuan (US$40) per hour for the service, which aims to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. Some staff members also scratch specific itchy areas to help customers relax and even induce laughter. Zhang, inspired by a video showing a woman scratching her husband's itches, independently developed the service, with no similar offerings in China. He has received positive feedback, with many clients preferring his service to massages. Zhang plans to expand his business to 100 outlets nationwide and hopes to establish itch-scratching as a recognized profession in China.",
  "summary": "A man in southern China has launched an itch-scratching chain brand, generating monthly earnings of 100,000 yuan (US$15,000) from his two outlets. This surprising venture is spearheaded by 32-year-old Zhang Xiaoqiao, who opened his first itch-scratching store in Shenzhen’s Baoan District in early May, followed by a second location in the city’s Futian District a month later, as reported by the…",
  "key_points": [
    "32-year-old entrepreneur Zhang Xiaoqiao launches itch-scratching business in China",
    "Suma stores with pointed nails provide relaxing scratch service for US$40/hour",
    "Plans to expand to 100 outlets nationwide, aims to formalize profession"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The entrepreneur's success in offering a unique itch-scratching service fills a gap in China's relaxation market, earning him a lucrative income and potentially paving the way for a new profession.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}