In Weibo Weekly, City Weekend takes a look at the most talked about topic circulating China's biggest microblogging site. This week everyone is talking about blogger and activist Ye Haiyan, who posed as a prostitute for a day to speak up for sex workers. How did Chinese netizens react?

Blogger, feminist and activist Ye Haiyan (叶海燕), after organizing the first rally to legalize prostitution in China in 2010, has again triggered debate by posing as a prostitute and offering free sex for migrant workers in a sex shop.

Although the journal she kept about her experience on her Sina Weibo was censored (obviously), she is still able to microblog on Tianya Weibo. On Jan. 16, she wrote an article titled Pleading again: Getting rid of economic punishment for poor sex workers, in which she wrote: “we need a government more responsible for the poor people. We hope that society cares about sex workers and treats them as equals. ”

According to a recent interview with a Chinese relationship website, Ye Haiyan offered reasons for her free sex service. “First, I'm working for free to protest against the fine from the police. Second, I can't be charged for prostitution this way. I’m doing this to raise awareness about how places like this RMB10 sex shop exist and to get people to think about this problem in our society. We need to consider the health and the rights of the migrant workers and prostitutes.” She admitted: “I don’t think my behavior will end up solving the problems of migrant workers, because the problem is just too big in China.”

The censorship of Ye Haiyan’s Weibo account didn’t stop netizens from talking about it more.

While some users think her behavior is “totally crazy and immoral”, other users have mixed feelings about it. While they showed sympathy for migrant workers, they consider her sacrifice unnecessary.

Langlang Jianghu, freelancer and author of New Story wrote: “Although China has the most prostitutes in the world, we are used to pretending to be innocent and pure. I think it’s her freedom to do whatever she wants. She’s a bit silly and innocent, but really, how can she expect Chinese people to have a good life under such a government? Inevitably, more censorship is on the way!”

TV host Yang Lei wrote : “Even if she tries to gain her rights as a feminist, is it really necessary to experience it herself? If you really are a Buddhist, why don’t you just step back and be tolerant?”

Still some intellectuals admire her braveness and showed support.

Xue Cun, a musician wrote: “She not only considers herself as a human being, but also treats migrant workers as human beings. This is why she’s great”

A writer and poet called Huaqiu wrote: “I agree with her. Women should have the right to be sex workers and have the freedom to use their body. Sex workers may not be respected, but as long as they don’t hurt other people they should be protected.”

Sun Haifeng, the Dean of the communications department from Shenzhen University wrote: “Chinese government, you hooligans and robbers, you have pushed migrant workers so hard and still demand for more!”

Scholar and news commentator Li Hui wrote: “As long as it doesn’t hurt others, everyone should have the right to choose the way he or she lives, including the most detrimental lifestyle as considered by society. The worst behavior is to force your own values on others. So I have no problem with her actions, I think she’s very brave.”

Will this controversy push the government to better improve the lives of migrant workers and prostitutes? Or will it make it even worse? Like Langlang Jianghu said, “Inevitably, more censorship is on the way!”