China’s Young Professionals Opt Out of the Rat Race, Seeking Early Retirement in Ghost Cities
A growing number of young Chinese professionals, disillusioned with the pressures of modern operate life and a cooling economy, are abandoning traditional career paths in favor of early retirement and a “low-desire life” in surprisingly affordable locales, including near-abandoned developments like “Life in Venice.”
The Rise of “Lying Flat” and FIRE in China
For decades, China’s burgeoning middle class aspired to upward mobility, flocking to booming megacities to pursue career opportunities. However, as economic growth slows and competition intensifies, a counter-trend is emerging. Many young Chinese are rejecting the grueling “996” work culture – a schedule of 9 a.m. To 9 p.m., six days a week – and embracing philosophies like “lying flat,” which advocates for shunning careers and consumerism, and the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement.
“Life in Venice”: A Ghost City Turned Refuge
The “Life in Venice” housing development, a multibillion-dollar replica of the Italian city on China’s eastern coast in Jiangsu province, exemplifies this shift. Originally intended as a luxury resort for wealthy Shanghai residents, the complex stands largely vacant following the downturn in China’s property market and the bankruptcy of its developer, Evergrande, in 2024. Less than one in five apartments are occupied, with many remaining unfinished shells.
Despite its desolate state, “Life in Venice” has become an unexpected haven for those seeking affordability. Sasa Chen, a 28-year-ancient former finance professional from Shanghai, is one such resident. She now pays just 1,200 RMB (approximately $168 USD) per month for her apartment, enabling her to retire early.
Economic Factors Driving the Trend
The plummeting real estate prices since the COVID-19 pandemic are a key driver of this migration. China’s economic growth has slowed, reaching 5% in 2025, a significant decrease from previous decades. As of December 2025, unemployment among 16-24 year-olds not in school stood at 16.5%.
This economic pressure, combined with the demanding work culture, is prompting young people to redefine their priorities. Experts note a broader trend of young people migrating to smaller towns and cities in search of lower living expenses and a more tranquil lifestyle.
Beyond “Life in Venice”: Other Affordable Retreats
The trend extends beyond “Life in Venice.” Young people are too relocating to cities like Hegang, a remote coal mining city in northeastern China, where apartments can be purchased for as little as $3,000. Ban Zhao, a 29-year-old, moved to a small town in Yunnan province, where she rents a three-bedroom apartment for 800 yuan ($110) per month and runs a yoga studio.
A Reversal of Traditional Values
This movement represents a significant departure from previous generations’ emphasis on career advancement and material success. Xiang Biao, director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Germany, observes that young people are “quitting this competition, this remarkably clear, linear, upward career track.”
Looking Ahead
The growing number of young Chinese opting for a simpler, less demanding lifestyle signals a potential shift in societal values and priorities. As economic conditions continue to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue to gain momentum and reshape the future of work and life in China.