Facing **soaring unemployment** and a challenging job market, a significant number of young Chinese are making a surprising choice: trading city life for the tranquility of the countryside. Gen Z and millennial “retirees,” as they’re calling themselves online, are documenting their rural experiences on social media platforms like Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese counterpart), showcasing a trend that reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of China’s younger generation grappling with economic hardship.
Key Takeaways:
- **Record Youth Unemployment:** China’s youth unemployment rate hit a record high of **18.8%** in August, fueling a mass exodus of young people from urban centers.
- **The “Rural Retirement” Trend:** Young Chinese, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, are embracing a self-described “retirement” in rural areas, sharing their experiences on Douyin.
- **Economic Factors:** The trend is largely attributed to the economic slowdown in China, fierce competition for jobs, and a perceived devaluation of college degrees.
- **Lifestyle Choice vs. Economic Necessity:** While some view it as a lifestyle choice prioritizing mental well-being, it underscores a deeper issue: growing difficulty finding suitable employment opportunities.
- **Rise of “Youth Nursing Homes”:** The emergence of “youth nursing homes” catering to this trend reflects a growing need for spaces for young people to de-stress and reset.
China’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
The backdrop to this unusual trend is a stark economic reality. China’s youth unemployment rate reached a record **18.8%** in August, a significant jump from **17.1%** in July and the highest since tracking began in December 2018. This unprecedented figure reflects a struggling economy grappling with weak domestic demand and a downturn in the housing sector. The influx of **11.8 million college graduates** entering the job market this year has intensified competition, further devaluing degrees and decreasing opportunities for younger generations.
The Devaluation of College Degrees:
Professor Chung Chi Nien of Hong Kong Polytechnic University notes that the increased number of graduates coupled with the weak economy has led to a perceived “**devaluation of college degrees**.” This makes it significantly harder for young people, especially those without extensive experience, to secure desirable jobs in urban areas. The competition is fierce, and many find themselves facing limited options and stagnant career prospects.
The Allure of Rural Life: A “Retirement” Movement
In response to these pressures, young Chinese are increasingly seeking refuge and respite in the countryside. They are documenting their experiences online, often describing their moves as a form of “retirement,” even if at a relatively young age. These digital narratives reveal a complex mix of societal pressures, personal choices, and economic realities.
A 22-Year-Old’s Story:
One such individual, a 22-year-old known online as Wenzi Dada, built a bamboo shack on a mountainside in Guizhou province. He previously worked in various jobs – auto repair, construction, and manufacturing – but grew disillusioned with the city and the lack of fulfilling employment opportunities. **”As time goes by, I begin to think about the meaning of life,”** he wrote on his Douyin profile. **”Life is not just about the prosperity of the city. The tranquility of the countryside is also a kind of beauty.”** His videos showcase his self-sufficient lifestyle, featuring cooking, harvesting vegetables, and maintaining his unique home, attracting a significant online following.
Popular Rural Destinations:
Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces are emerging as popular destinations for these young “retirees.” The cost of living in these regions is significantly lower than in major cities like Shanghai – often a **quarter of the price** – making it a fiscally viable option for those with limited income or unemployment.
Beyond Pickiness: A Societal Perspective
Some criticize these young people for being “picky” or “giving up,” but this perspective fails to acknowledge the profound challenges facing China’s young workforce. Wenzi Dada himself directly addresses this criticism, stating that he is **”making preparations for retirement in advance.”** This counter-narrative highlights the pressures of a society that heavily emphasizes education and career success, where failing to meet these expectations can lead to significant social stigma.
Cultural Expectations:
Dan Wang, chief economist at Hang Seng Bank China, explains that this societal criticism is rooted in traditional Chinese values. **”They get berated because Chinese people tend to think whoever gets higher education has to put that in use afterwards and work hard,”** Wang explains. Education in China is typically viewed as a significant family investment, making it even more disheartening when young graduates struggle to find suitable employment.
Alternative Income Streams:
Many of these young “retirees” are not entirely without income. Some utilize e-commerce platforms or aspire to become social media influencers, leveraging their rural lifestyle and tranquil surroundings to attract viewers. The scenic backdrop and peaceful ambiance provide a unique appeal and potentially lucrative marketing opportunity.
The Rise of “Youth Nursing Homes”
Interestingly, a new phenomenon is emerging to meet the needs of these disillusioned young people: “**youth nursing homes**.” These facilities offer a space for young adults to check in and essentially “lie down,” as one founder puts it. While some experts view this as a marketing gimmick, the growing popularity reflects the stress and desperation many Gen Z and millennials feel. These spaces offer a temporary escape and opportunity for self-reflection, allowing young people to pause and reconsider their career path without the added pressures of a fast-paced urban life.
A Space for Resetting:
Jia Miao, an assistant professor at NYU Shanghai, believes there is a growing demand for such establishments. **”Young people experiencing high stress or a sense of desperation are seeking places to reflect and potentially reset their lives,”** she explains. These “youth nursing homes,” despite the unconventional title, are fulfilling a growing need for spaces where young people can take a breather and recover from the pressures of China’s increasingly competitive job market.
A Temporary Retreat or a Long-Term Trend?
While the current wave of rural “retirements” signals a significant shift in attitudes and choices among young Chinese, it’s unlikely to be a permanent state of affairs. The countryside, while offering solace and affordable living, lacks the amenities and opportunities that urban areas provide. Long-term, many of those choosing rural life will likely return to cities in search of better career prospects and opportunities.
The City Beckons:
Dan Wang from Hang Seng Bank China points out that **”this kind of reverse migration is also unlikely to be a long-term trend. It’s at most transitory… The ultimate goal for those kids is still to go back to the city in the long run.”** This emphasizes that the rural exodus is not a complete abandonment of urban life, but rather a temporary escape from the current economic pressures and uncertainties that characterize the job market in China.
The trend of young Chinese “retiring” to the countryside is a complex phenomenon reflecting economic uncertainty, societal pressures, and the search for personal well-being. While a temporary solution for some, it ultimately highlights the pressing need for China to address its youth unemployment crisis and provide more opportunities for its younger generation to build fulfilling careers and futures.
