However, the country has a long association with the sex profession even if it differs to the western evolution of the trade. In fact, despite the fact that prostitution is illegal in most of China, there are plenty of red light districts to be found, even in rural locations.
To understand the evolution of modern day and the place of historical red light districts in China, we need to first understand the history of prostitution in the country.
Dating back to Ancient China, prostitution, for a long time, was not only legal but was a respected profession, The Chinese character for the word prostitute ji is more closely linked to performance than it has sex.
The original and ultimate escorts, these companions were highly prized for their charm, intelligence and skill, providing men with singing, dancing, poetry and music. One big red light district, prostitution is legal in Hong Kong. Image via Flickr. Chinese wives were expected to perform dutiful roles to their husbands and were not expected to provide much more than legitimate children and to run efficient homes. In general, women were not educated and men were happy for them to remain virtuous in their ignorance.
However, men also craved women who were intellectual who could provide them with something more than just duty and obedience. Prostitutes became an exception to the rule and most were not only highly skilled entertainers but had been educated to a high level; able to match the intelligence of scholars, aristocrats and officials of the period.
