Escaping Beijing: Why some young Chinese are quitting the capital

For centuries, Beijing has been the pinnacle of ambition in China, attracting people from all over the country. But in recent years, a growing number of young people are choosing to leave the capital, seeking better opportunities and a more sustainable lifestyle elsewhere.

Wang Lei, 29, moved to Beijing in 2020 to work in real estate, then a lucrative sector. Six years later, his dreams have crumbled, and he believes his future lies outside the city that once captivated him.

Beijing's population has nearly doubled since 1990, reaching almost 22 million. However, China's economic growth has slowed, and the real estate crisis, combined with the pandemic, has dealt a blow to business and consumer confidence. Families who invested heavily in housing saw prices drop and felt poorer.

Wang Lei says: "Many people around me – including my colleagues and friends – are under this same kind of stress. Their salaries simply don’t match their expenses. If you add dating, rent and the occasional trip into the mix, the money just isn’t enough."

On Chinese social media, the hashtag "escaping Beijing" has gained traction, with young people sharing their decisions to leave. Common reasons include expensive housing, intense competition, and uncertain career prospects.

The mindset towards work and success is also shifting. The once-glorified "996" work culture (9am to 9pm, six days a week) is increasingly rejected. Many young people are embracing "tang ping" or "lying flat" – rejecting intense competition for a simpler life.

Wang Lei rejects the idea that leaving means giving up ambition. "Sure, there are young people who don’t want to work hard, but there are plenty who do. We just need to adapt to the realities of today." For him, success now means finding a place where he can finally breathe and build a sustainable life.