For centuries, Beijing has symbolized ambition and opportunity in China, attracting scholars, graduates, entrepreneurs, and migrant workers. However, a slowing economy and rising expenses are making it increasingly difficult for young people to thrive in the city.

Wang, born in neighboring Hebei province, vividly recalls his childhood visit to Beijing Railway Station, where he first saw towering skyscrapers and dreamed of standing atop one. He moved to Beijing in 2020 and found work in the real estate industry, which was then one of China’s most lucrative sectors.

Like many before him, Wang hoped his hard work would pay off. But his plans unraveled as the real estate market deteriorated. “The real estate market was in a very bad state,” Wang said. “The pressure was immense, so I decided to quit.”

He added, “Many people around me – including my colleagues and friends – are under this same kind of stress. Their salaries simply don’t match their expenses.”

Seeing friends leave Beijing for other cities, Wang noted, “I’ve come to realise that the people who left Beijing to live in other cities are happier than I am. They face far less pressure and anxiety.”

This trend highlights the challenges facing young residents in China’s capital amid economic shifts and rising living costs.

Sources