2Firsts, November 14, 2025, Shenzhen — RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX), the parent company of e-vapor brand RELX, has delivered the first batch of 10 guide dogs to visually impaired individuals in China under its “See the Love: Guide Dog Partner Program.” The company previously announced that it would invest RMB 4 million between 2025 and 2026 to support the training of 20 guide dogs, which will be provided free of charge to eligible users.
The guide dogs were trained at the Dalian Guide Dog Training Base, the first and largest guide dog training institution in mainland China. Before receiving their dogs, users completed joint training designed to ensure safe and independent mobility.
RLX said the program’s funding will cover food, medical care, training equipment and multi-scenario training. It will also support workforce development for guide dog trainers and research on guide dog behavior. The company added that it aims to increase public awareness of guide dogs and provide more support for the mobility needs of visually impaired individuals.
Severe Shortage of Guide Dogs as Demand Outstrips Supply
China has about 17 million visually impaired people, including approximately 5 million who are blind. However, only slightly more than 300 guide dogs are currently in service nationwide, leaving many applicants on waiting lists of two to four years.
Training a guide dog typically requires around two years of foster care and professional instruction, with a success rate of less than 30%. Each dog costs about RMB 200,000 to train. High costs, long training cycles and trainer shortages have placed sustained pressure on nonprofit training institutions.
One user from Shenzhen said that independent travel became markedly more difficult after she lost her sight, leading to repeated falls on unfamiliar routes. Another user from Chengdu noted that guide dogs can navigate around obstacles that white canes cannot detect, offering greater safety during daily travel.
Funding Covers Full Training Cycle and Supports Talent Development
The Dalian Guide Dog Training Base has trained a total of 413 guide dogs to date. Each dog must master more than 60 skills — including obstacle avoidance, stair navigation, crossing streets and using public transportation — and memorize more than 30 verbal commands and at least seven destinations.
RLX’s funding will cover food, medical care, training tools and scenario-based exercises in urban areas, railway stations and airports. The program will also provide subsidies and professional support for guide dog trainers to address talent shortages. Additional funding will support canine behavior research to improve training success rates.
Program Raises Public Awareness and Highlights Mobility Needs of the Visually Impaired
The first 10 users come from various regions and professions, including healthcare, education and massage therapy. Some reported that entering restaurants or tourist attractions with guide dogs still involves communication challenges during daily travel.
RLX said the program will continue to promote public understanding of guide dog rights, encourage retail stores to participate in “guide-dog-friendly” initiatives and draw more attention to the mobility needs of visually impaired individuals.
Wang Jingyu, founder of the Dalian Guide Dog Training Base, said he hopes more organizations will join efforts to support guide dog training and research so that more visually impaired people can achieve independent mobility.
RLX stated that it will continue integrating its technological and resource strengths into social responsibility initiatives, including public health, rural revitalization, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
RELX founder and CEO Kate Wang said:
“We will continue to put our commitment to society into action, time and time again, and create greater social value.”
