The downward trend of the economy in mainland China has led to high unemployment rates, causing some young people who are tired of the rat race to pursue a “lying flat” lifestyle by retiring early in rural areas. Experts analyze that returning to the countryside may provide temporary solace, but under the Chinese Communist Party’s system, it’s difficult to escape the shackles of poverty.
According to CNBC, with the Chinese economy struggling and the youth unemployment rate remaining high, the ongoing deterioration of job prospects has left many young people feeling disillusioned. Consequently, young people are turning to rural areas to “retire,” with some even establishing “youth retirement homes” where young individuals can move in and embrace a laid-back lifestyle.
Netizens commented, “This generation of young people pursuing temporary ‘lying flat’ has come up with a new trend.” “Living in the countryside costs as much as urban-level expenses, which this inequality can sustain for a short period of time.” “It feels like going on vacation when you move in, but once you run out of money, you have to go out and work again.”
Data from Tujia homestays shows that since the beginning of 2024, the number of bookings for youth retirement homes has increased by over 1.5 times compared to last year. The majority of residents are post-90s generation, with an average stay of only 2.63 days. Analysis suggests that premature retirement is superficial, while rest and recuperation are essential. The stress-induced reactions from young people’s burnout have generated significant financial attraction in the healing market.
Recently, a university student born in the 1980s shared in a video that after graduating in 2006, he had been working in Beijing with a decent income. However, due to the poor economic situation in the past couple of years, he was forced to quit his job. He expressed pessimism about his future job prospects and felt lost about what to do next.
One worker, Mr. He, mentioned that since last year, job opportunities across the country have been scarce and wages are low. He stated, “I, too, haven’t been able to earn money. Last year, I was still working, but this year, I’ve been lying flat at home! The overall environment isn’t good; many people are either unemployed or partially employed. Even my acquaintances working in construction haven’t made any money this year.”
Mr. He, facing health issues, no longer perseveres in working outside but still pays for rural social security. He has been contributing 2000 RMB annually (with multiple payment options) for the past 12 years. Currently, he is being supported by his elder brother.
A professional woman in her 1980s from Hebei province revealed that she knows people who have returned to rural areas. She highlighted the challenges in finding jobs in both major and mid-sized cities, resulting in widespread unemployment. As workplaces face pay cuts, uncertainties loom over future prospects, prompting her to prepare for a lower standard of living.
She explained, “At least in rural areas, there is some land where you can grow your own vegetables, exchange produce with neighbors, or even make steamed buns and trade them for flour – as long as you avoid buying unnecessary items from local stores. By living off homegrown produce and consuming basic staples like rice and noodles, one can survive on a monthly budget of no more than 500 RMB.”
She concluded, “Therefore, why choose to struggle in big cities? Earning a few thousand RMB a month may seem impressive, but it’s barely enough to afford anything. Taking up small odd jobs at local markets can earn you that 500 RMB easily each month. Just refrain from buying extravagant clothes or chasing unnecessary desires; live modestly, and you’ll have enough to eat and drink without going hungry.”
In recent years, there has been a belief circulating in mainland China that within three to five years, over 50% of the population will return to rural areas. With the completion of China’s infrastructure and industrial revolution after 40 years of “reform and opening up,” the era of rural-to-urban migration seems to be fading. The Chinese Communist Party continues to promote initiatives urging urban youths to return to villages and build new rural communities.
It has become increasingly challenging for university students to establish themselves in major cities. Consequently, many graduates are encouraged to return to their hometowns after college, aim for civil service jobs, and start from grassroots level, as it offers better prospects for advancement. With education becoming more competitive, university degrees seem to hold less value.
A former researcher from a Chinese Communist Party think tank known as the “anti-brainwashing expert” pointed out that during a business gathering in Shanghai in April 2020, there were remarks about millions leaving the city, possibly never to return. He expressed sadness over the current environment lacking hope and emphasized that rural living is less restricted and cost-effective.
He remarked, “This trend of returning to rural areas is primarily driven by seeking lower living costs, with a minority opting for ‘lying flat’ lifestyles and very few making insightful moves to avoid disasters. In China, true retirement doesn’t exist.” He conveyed this message to the interviewer.
British international relations youth scholar Ignatius Lee, in an interview with the media, analyzed that while two-way population migration is a normal phenomenon, the trend of returning to rural regions may not become mainstream. The fundamental concern lies in economic challenges: how will people sustain themselves and find employment upon returning? Moreover, quality education resources are concentrated in major cities, posing a dilemma for children’s schooling in rural areas.
Lee elaborated, “It’s conceivable that the first and second waves of rural migrants who moved to cities for work may return to rural areas or small towns, especially as they age. However, the return of middle-aged and elderly individuals won’t necessarily drive a second wave of economic boom in smaller regions.”
He added, “The phenomenon of young people returning to rural areas did occur in the early 2000s, but it’s difficult to define this trend as a societal shift as it isn’t inherently tied to a particular mindset. Where will young people in small towns and rural areas derive their income from? Not everyone can aspire to be influencers on platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou.”
“If livelihood becomes an issue, there might be a resurgence of urban migration to major cities. But when directionless young people reach middle age, it becomes exceedingly challenging for them to make a living in metropolitan areas. Consequently, the desire to escape the rat race and embrace a ‘lying flat’ attitude could lead to universal societal despair.”
An academic scholar in mainland China, Dai Wei, noted that in the 1990s, there was a rapid exodus from rural areas to coastal regions and cities, spanning just over two decades. This period coincides with the association of the post-90s and post-2000s generation with urban living, detached from the hardships of rural life. Hence, they might find the idea of returning to the countryside appealing until they confront the monetary realities.
Dai emphasized that Chinese farmers lack autonomy, ownership of land, or any substantial assets as land is collectively owned by contracted villages. While returning to rural areas may offer temporary relief from financial burdens, rational analysis suggests that under the autocratic Communist regime, achieving substantial development in any industry is unlikely.
He concluded, “Individuals among the youth who return to rural areas for entrepreneurial endeavors or to adopt a ‘lying flat’ lifestyle may not realize that sustained living in Chinese rural settings would prove untenable. Their stay in rural areas is bound to be short-lived; within four to five years, they will likely flee again. Whether in cities or rural regions of China, as long as the Communist Party reigns unopposed, peace remains unattainable. This is the root of the problem.”