Young Workers Are Choosing Shenzhen Over Beijing and Shanghai

By Adam Robbins, April 25, 2018

3 0

China’s oldest, richest Tier One cities – Beijing and Shanghai – are now less attractive to young job seekers than their scrappy southern counterparts. 

Citing a study “by a research institute working for the Chinese classified advertising site 58.com,” ECNS reports that people born after 1995 are now flocking to Guangdong and Sichuan provinces.

Shenzhen – with an economy set to overtake Hong Kong this year – is now the most favored city among the young, according to the report.

Guangzhou and Chengdu – each named China’s “most livable” city – are next in line as the destination for China’s rising generation. 

Hangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou and Xi’an, which graduated to Tier One status last year, are also emerging as attractive cities thanks to active recruitment measures.

READ MORE: 85% of Migrants Feel They 'Don't Belong' in First-Tier Cities

Hangzhou’s policies let companies offer larger than average salaries, for an average of RMB6,663 per month, according to the report. Expected monthly wages for Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou are reported at RMB6,589, RMB6,105 and RMB6,029 respectively. Shanghai still leads that metric, with salaries of RMB8,326 a month. 

Separately, Global Times reports that 'smaller' cities like Jiangsu province’s Suzhou and Yangcheng (with populations of 10.7 and 7.3 million, respectively) are attracting more foreign talent. 

"As a university teacher, the main draw is that the salary is more or less the same in smaller cities as it is in bigger ones," Thomas Claret, who teaches French at a university in Yangcheng, told the paper. "But the costs are a lot lower, so I can live without worrying too much about money I earn and spend." 

READ MORE: This Place Was Just Named the Best for Expats in China

[Cover image via Simbaxu]

more news

China to Build a 2nd Formula 1 Circuit in This City...

Is Guangdong ready to embrace speed and excitement?

Shanghai School News Roundup: March 2024

What's been going on in the wonderful world of education!

Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey Through Culture, History & Leisure

Vietjet flies direct to this captivating destination from Shanghai & Chengdu.

Shanghai School News Roundup: February 2024

What's been going on in the wonderful world of education!

Shanghai School News Roundup: January 2024

What's been going on in the wonderful world of education!

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo Touches Down in Shenzhen

CR7 and Al-Nassr kick off their China journey!

Shanghai School News Roundup: December 2023

What's been going on in the wonderful world of education!

City of the Future: Kempinski Luxury Hotel & Residences Xiong'an

Kempinski Hotels signs management agreement for luxury hotel and residences in Xiong’an, China.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives