Inside China’s ‘Gig Stations’: The Daily Struggle for Low-Paid, Ad Hoc Work

Before dawn breaks over Xinqiao, a town on the outskirts of Shanghai, hundreds of workers gather outside a nondescript building, their tools in hand and hope in their eyes. These are China’s “gig stations”—state-backed hiring hubs where day laborers, many in their 50s and 60s, compete for short-term, low-wage jobs. The scene is a stark reflection of a labor market under pressure, where flexibility comes at the cost of stability.

The Rise of China’s Gig Stations

China’s gig economy has exploded in recent years, with official data estimating that over 240 million workers—roughly 30% of the country’s workforce—now rely on flexible, short-term employment. To formalize this fragmented labor market, the Chinese government has rapidly expanded its network of “gig stations.” According to a State Council report released in late 2025, there are now around 9,000 such sites across the country, most established within the past three years.

These stations serve as centralized hiring points, where employers—often construction firms, cleaning companies, or logistics providers—can quickly recruit workers for daily or hourly tasks. For laborers, the system offers a lifeline in an economy where traditional manufacturing jobs have dwindled, and age discrimination has pushed older workers to the margins. But the trade-off is brutal: wages are low, job security is nonexistent, and the work is often grueling.

Who Are the Workers?

The typical gig station worker is older, with many in their 50s and 60s. Excluded from more stable employment due to age or lack of formal qualifications, they turn to these hubs for survival. Men often arrive with shovels, spades, or construction tools, while women carry cleaning supplies or tote bags. Hard hats and work gloves are common sights, signaling their readiness for physically demanding tasks.

“The dirtiest, hardest work for the lowest wages,” one worker told Channel News Asia while waiting in line. The sentiment captures the harsh reality: gig station jobs are often the last resort for those with few other options.

A System of Trade-Offs

For the Chinese government, gig stations represent an attempt to bring order to an informal labor market. By centralizing hiring, officials aim to reduce exploitation, improve worker safety, and collect data on employment trends. The system also aligns with broader economic shifts, as China’s economy pivots away from heavy industry toward service-based and gig work.

However, critics argue that the stations do little to address the root causes of labor precarity. Wages remain stagnant, and workers lack benefits like healthcare, pensions, or unemployment insurance. The jobs are also highly competitive—hundreds of laborers may vie for a handful of positions each morning, with no guarantee of selection.

The Broader Gig Economy Context

China’s gig stations are just one facet of a global trend toward flexible, platform-based work. From ride-hailing drivers to food delivery couriers, millions of workers worldwide now rely on gig labor. But unlike app-based gig work, which often requires digital literacy, China’s gig stations cater to an older, less tech-savvy demographic. This distinction highlights the unique challenges of formalizing labor in a rapidly aging society.

In cities like Shanghai, where the cost of living is high, the financial strain on gig workers is acute. Many live in cramped, temporary housing or commute long distances to reach the stations. The work itself—construction, cleaning, or manual labor—is physically taxing, with little protection against injury or wage theft.

Key Takeaways

• Scale: China’s gig economy employs over 240 million workers, accounting for 30% of the workforce.
• Gig Stations: Around 9,000 state-backed sites have been established since 2023 to formalize casual labor.
• Demographics: Most workers are in their 50s and 60s, shut out of stable employment due to age or lack of qualifications.
• Conditions: Jobs are low-paid, physically demanding, and offer no benefits or job security.
• Government Role: The system aims to reduce exploitation but does not address deeper issues like wage stagnation or lack of social protections.

FAQ

What is a gig station?

A gig station is a government-backed hiring hub in China where day laborers gather to find short-term, ad hoc work. Employers visit these sites to recruit workers for tasks like construction, cleaning, or manual labor.

How many gig stations are there in China?

As of late 2025, there are approximately 9,000 gig stations across China, most established in the past three years.

Who uses gig stations?

Primarily older workers, many in their 50s and 60s, who have been excluded from stable employment due to age or lack of formal qualifications.

What are the working conditions like?

Workers describe the jobs as physically demanding and poorly paid, with no benefits like healthcare or pensions. Competition for positions is fierce, and there is no guarantee of work.

How does this compare to other gig work?

Unlike app-based gig work (e.g., ride-hailing or food delivery), China’s gig stations cater to an older, less tech-savvy population. The system is also more centralized, with government oversight.

The Future of Gig Work in China

As China’s economy continues to evolve, the gig station model may expand or adapt to meet new challenges. However, without stronger labor protections, the system risks perpetuating a cycle of precarity for millions of workers. For now, the daily ritual in Xinqiao—hundreds of laborers waiting in the dark, tools in hand—remains a powerful symbol of a labor market in transition.

For policymakers, the question is whether gig stations can evolve beyond a stopgap solution to become a sustainable safety net. For workers, the hope is simply for a fairer deal: better wages, safer conditions, and a measure of dignity in their daily struggle.