People who are unable to visit their parents can now get help online - by hiring someone to go in their place.

At taobao.com, one of China's major online retail platforms, there are more than 30 services connected to visiting seniors. The costs range from 10 yuan ($1.60) to 5,000 yuan ($814.30).

The services follow a new law on the protection of senior citizens' rights, which came into effect on July 1 and stipulate that people should visit or contact their elderly parents often.