Young Chinese Professionals Embrace Affordable Living Amid Economic Shifts

In recent years, a significant trend has emerged among young professionals in China, as many are migrating from bustling megacities to smaller towns and cities in search of affordable housing. This shift is exemplified by the “Life in Venice” housing development in Jiangsu province, which has seen a dramatic decline in property prices following a downturn in China's real estate market. Once envisioned as a luxurious weekend retreat for affluent residents from Shanghai, the complex now stands largely abandoned, with less than one in five apartments occupied.

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The economic landscape in China has shifted considerably, with growth rates declining from double digits to around 5% in 2025. This slowdown has led to increased competition for jobs, particularly in high-paying sectors like technology, where the demanding "996 culture"—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—has left many young professionals disillusioned. As a result, some have opted for a lifestyle change, embracing a philosophy known as “lying flat,” which prioritizes rest and personal fulfillment over traditional career ambitions.

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Sasa Chen, a former finance professional who earned approximately 700,000 yuan ($98,480) annually, exemplifies this trend. After saving 2 million yuan ($290,000), she relocated to “Life in Venice,” where her monthly rent is just 1,200 RMB ($168). Chen describes her new life as one of freedom and relaxation, stating, “I have all the time in the world, the freedom of doing whatever I want.” Similarly, Ban Zhao, who moved to a small town in Yunnan province, enjoys a low-cost lifestyle while working less than 20 hours a week teaching yoga online. She reflects, “I can do whatever I want and not do whatever I don’t want.”

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This migration trend is not isolated. Data indicates that Beijing lost approximately 1.6 million residents in their twenties and early thirties between 2019 and 2024. Experts like Xiang Biao from the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology note that many young people are rejecting the traditional corporate ladder in favor of a more relaxed lifestyle. The affordability of housing in places like Hegang, where apartments can be purchased for as little as $3,000, further illustrates the appeal of moving away from major urban centers.

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Chen Zhiwu, a finance professor at the University of Hong Kong, emphasizes that rising living costs and diminishing job opportunities in larger cities are significant factors driving this migration. He states, “Young people are facing reality and thinking hard about their futures.” This sentiment reflects a broader reassessment of life priorities among the younger generation in China.

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• “I never believed that work is the meaning of life,” — Sasa Chen, Resident of “Life in Venice.”

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• “I can do whatever I want and not do whatever I don’t want,” — Ban Zhao, Resident in Yunnan

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• “People are quitting this competition, this very clear, linear, upward career track,” — Xiang Biao, Director, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

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• “Young people are facing reality and thinking hard about their futures.” — Chen Zhiwu, Finance Professor, University of Hong Kong

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This trend of young professionals seeking affordable living arrangements marks a significant cultural shift in China, reflecting changing values and economic realities.

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