In the serene backdrop of Fuxin, a lesser-known city nestled in China’s northeast, young buyers are turning the housing market on its head in search of affordability. This former mining town, known for its unhurried lifestyle and shops that close by dusk, is quickly becoming a refuge for young individuals eager to escape the high living costs of megacities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Xiao Du, a 29-year-old who relocated from Luoyang in Central China, embodies this trend. She made headlines by purchasing her modest 28 sqm flat via the online marketplace Xianyu for merely US$3,500 in 2024. “Housing prices here are incredibly low,” she stated, adding a word of caution about the understanding of these prices. “For that amount, you mostly end up with a top-floor unit that could have ongoing issues like water leaks—it's a misconception people have regarding low housing prices.”

In social media circles, Fuxin's rock-bottom real estate prices are often compared to “cabbages,” highlighting the drastic difference when juxtaposed with first-tier cities. Data from Anjuke, a significant player in the Chinese real estate market, reveals that secondhand flats in Fuxin cost just an average of US$590 per sqm, starkly contrasting with US$7,000 in Shanghai. The cost of living is similarly lower in Fuxin; local markets offer shoppers incredible deals—where 10 Chinese yuan (around US$1.30) can yield five apples or ten cabbages.

These fourth-tier cities, such as Fuxin, Hegang, and Hebi, have become attractive to individuals drawn not only by honest living costs but also by philosophical shifts in lifestyle choices. Many young people embrace the “tang ping” mentality, preferring a simpler existence over the pressures of urban success. Factors influencing their decisions vary widely—ranging from job opportunities, family circumstances, to a closer alignment with personal identities.

Fuxin’s residents observe a gradual rejuvenation attributed to incoming youth, a stark contrast to decades of economic stagnation that left its industrial base trailing behind more dynamic regions. In perhaps the most optimistic news, Liaoning province, where Fuxin is located, reported a 5.1% GDP growth last year and, for the first time in over ten years, witnessed a net population growth with the arrival of 86,000 newcomers.

Local real estate agent Xiao Zhang noted that Fuxin's favorable location and transportation links play a crucial role in its appeal. “People can earn a decent income while living in a city with lower expenses. Why struggle in a prosperous city when you can lead a more comfortable life here?” he remarked.

However, the surge in population has sparked mixed reactions among Fuxin's residents. While some celebrate the economic potential a growing citizenry brings, others express concern that rising demand could inflate property prices, making homeownership less accessible.

As affordability emerges as a significant factor influencing residential decisions, many young people are even purchasing dilapidated homes in first-tier cities. This trend runs counter to the Chinese government’s efforts promoting high-quality housing—defined as safe, comfortable, eco-friendly, and smart. The government aims to increase subsidized housing options for young buyers to stimulate housing demand and stabilize the overarching real estate market.

Underlying these shifts are broader labor market dynamics. Associate Professor Laura Wu from Nanyang Technological University noted that challenges in securing jobs in big cities often push individuals toward smaller urban centers. “It’s a trend worth monitoring closely,” she said, remarking on the potential implications of losing talent to smaller cities. “If we can utilize their skills better in metropolitan areas, we can boost economic growth.”

As China’s young population redefines where and how they want to live, the shifting landscape of small cities like Fuxin may serve as a bellwether for broader societal changes, where the pursuit of affordability could reshape the future of urban living in the country.