Massage chairs in a shopping mall. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

Operators of small businesses such as arcade claw machines and vending massage chairs are embracing a golden era in China as people try to make full use of their time.

For example, you can now entertain yourself at a claw machine while waiting for your wife to finish shopping at the mall, as operators shape a "waiting economy".

In many Chinese cities, more mini karaoke booths, arcade machines, vending massage chairs, and virtual reality gaming stations are finding their way into malls, cinemas and restaurants. These facilities are mostly automated and can be used through mobile payment or coin exchange machines.

"Time goes faster when I play on the claw machines after shopping with my girlfriend," said a citizen surnamed Chen.

Statistics indicated that about 200,000 to 300,000 claw machines are being put into use every year, and China is now home to more than 1.3 million of these devices.

"It's a one-time investment, and money flows in once it has been installed," said a man surnamed Luo who runs vending massage chairs.

Malls and cinemas, while providing places for such services, can also attract more potential consumers, and even gain commission from the business.

"Small businesses can create huge opportunities," said an insider, adding that such businesses have already become a favorable choice for many who decide to start new commercial projects. These businesses are also posing a considerable challenge for traditional consumption, the insider said.