Disillusioned Youth Seek Fresh Start in Rural China's "Retirement Village" Lifestyle
Rewritten Article:
By Matthew Walsh with Mary Yang / AFP, DALI, China
Meet Wang Dong, a 29-year-old Chinese resident who traded his busy city life for a tranquil lakeside town, joining the growing number of young people embracing a new work culture known as "youth retirement."
In the past, extended breaks from work were unheard of in China, with its competitive work culture and emphasis on hard work and determination. But now, some are choosing to step back, taking a break to recharge and explore new opportunities.
Wang grew tired of his job in hospitality and decided to make a change. He found his way to a self-styled "youth retirement home" in the scenic southwestern town of Dali, Yunnan province. Spending day after day visiting temples, learning tea preparation techniques, and relaxing with new friends, Wang is content with his decision to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
"Everyone has their own unique journey, and it's important for us to focus on the present moment," Wang shared while lounging in the sunny courtyard of the hostel. "This experience has been incredibly enriching for me, offering perspectives that cannot be measured in material terms."
Youth retirement homes, which have become increasingly popular on social media, offer a haven for young adults seeking escape from the stress of urban life. These homes, typically located in small towns or rural areas, attract individuals in their 20s or early 30s for several weeks or months. Fun group activities are often provided, such as group meals, camping trips, and excursions.
The owner of one such home, Yan Bingyi, allows only pleasant and interesting individuals to join his establishment, striving for meaningful conversations and connections. A group of guests lounged in the courtyard, chatting, laughing, and playing with a dog on a sun-drenched afternoon. Yan himself arranges group meals, often cooks for his guests, and coordinates excursions to help his guests find peace and rediscover their passions.
Yan explained, "We all face hidden social pressures in life, and they can be overwhelming when they build up. What can we do then? We need to step outside, broaden our horizons, and relax."
The trend of youth retirement, often referred to as "lying flat" or "letting it rot," has become emblematic of a shift in work culture among young Chinese. This lifestyle choice rejects the grueling work culture in favor of a more laid-back approach to life. The trend has coincided with a post-pandemic economic downturn, leading to high unemployment rates among urban youth that have not been seen in years.
President Xi Jinping has encouraged young people to "eat bitterness," a colloquial phrase for persevering through hardship. However, many proprieters of youth retirement homes argue that their establishments are misaligned with indolence. Yan shared, "I don't believe people should spend their entire lives lounging around. After a brief respite here, I hope my guests can return home with a renewed sense of purpose and the ability to cope with the demands of urban life."
While some dismiss youth retirement homes as a fad, others are more critical, focusing on state-approved goals. For example, Chen Qiankun, a 21-year-old from southern Guangdong province, moved to Dongwang village near Beijing to develop the community and stem rural decline. Chen conducted a workshop for local homestay owners and livestreamers, teaching them skills to increase their incomes and move away from a leisurely lifestyle.
Chen acknowledged, "Taking a temporary break from work can be beneficial, but long-term laziness should be avoided. Otherwise, we risk a wave of young people retiring permanently."
However, one "retirement commune" founder, Cai Zongmou, likened the experience to taking a gap year, suggesting that it offers opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery before returning to work. As night fell over his courtyard, guests gathered around a roaring campfire, singing, drinking, and playing energetic card games.
"China was once impoverished, and we have spent a long time playing catch-up," Cai mused. "More of us are starting to consider how to live better."
Enrichment Insights:
The trend of youth retirement homes in China is indicative of a shift in the country's work culture, particularly among the younger generation. These homes, located in rural areas or small towns, offer respite from the intense urban lifestyle and provide a chance to rejuvenate and address burnout.
Key aspects of these homes include:
- Escape from Urban Stress and Burnout: The tranquil environment of youth retirement homes provides an opportunity to relax and unwind while escaping the pressures of work and social expectations.
- Prioritizing Mental Health and Work-Life Balance: The rise of youth retirement homes reflects a growing emphasis on mental health and the need for a healthier work-life balance, contrasting with the traditional Chinese work culture characterized by long hours and high productivity expectations.
- Reflecting a Generational Shift: The popularity of these homes indicates a shift in values among young Chinese, with an increasing focus on personal well-being and mental health.
- Challenging Traditional Work Ethic: Historically, China's work culture has been characterized by intense pressure and high expectations. The trend of youth retirement homes contradicts this by promoting a more relaxed lifestyle, signifying a departure from the traditional work ethic.
- Wang, finding solace in a youth retirement home after growing tired of city life, articulated, "This experience has been incredibly enriching, offering perspectives that cannot be measured in material terms, as it focuses on mental health and personal growth."
- As the sun sets on Cai's retirement commune, guests gather around a roaring campfire, singing, drinking, and playing games, fostering an environment for personal growth and self-discovery before returning to their respective urban lives, symbolizing a shift towards prioritizing work-life balance and mental health in the Chinese work culture.
