BEIJING - Beijing remains one of China’s most important centres for education, research and employment, but a growing number of young people are reconsidering whether the capital is the best place to build their futures.

For 20-year-old nursing student Zhao Haozhe, the prospect of life outside Beijing is becoming increasingly appealing despite having lived in the city his entire life.

Zhao said he plans to seek employment beyond China’s first-tier cities after graduation, believing lower living costs would make it easier to establish an independent life.

“I am curious about living outside my home city, away from my family, and forging a life on my own.

“Cost of living and housing rentals are relatively lower elsewhere, so it should be easier to live even without the support of family in my home city,” he said to CNA.

His views reflect a broader shift among young residents in Beijing as they weigh career opportunities against rising housing costs, intense job competition and changing lifestyle priorities.

Data compiled by Chinese business publication Economic Observer showed that Beijing’s resident population aged between 20 and 29 fell by about 46 per cent from 4.62 million in 2015 to 2.49 million in 2024.

The age group’s share of Beijing’s population declined from 21.3 per cent in 2015 to 11.4 per cent in 2024, bringing it close to the national average of 10.56 per cent.

At the same time, Beijing’s population aged 60 and above increased from 3.41 million to 5.14 million during the same period.

By 2024, around 24 out of every 100 Beijing residents were aged 60 and above, while only 11 were between 20 and 29 years old.

Despite these changes, Beijing’s overall population has remained relatively stable.

Official data showed the city’s resident population stood at 21.83 million at the end of 2024, only slightly lower than 21.89 million recorded in 2020.

Analysts caution against interpreting the decline in young residents as evidence that Beijing is losing its attractiveness.

Zhao Litao, a senior research fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said multiple demographic and economic factors were influencing the trend.

“I would be cautious about reading the decline in Beijing's youth population simply as evidence that Beijing is losing its appeal to young people.

“The trend is real, but it reflects several forces operating at the same time,” he said.

Analysts said China’s falling birth rates, shrinking youth population, rising living costs and evolving migration patterns have all contributed to the shift.

Beijing’s own urban policies have also played a role.

The city has sought to reduce functions considered non-essential to its role as the national capital while strengthening sectors such as research, finance, technology and culture.

Some lower-end manufacturing and service industries have been relocated elsewhere.

As a result, Beijing increasingly attracts highly skilled professionals and knowledge-based workers rather than large numbers of young job seekers across all sectors.

The changing demographic profile is also visible in the housing market.

Property agents in Tiantongyuan, a residential district popular with young renters due to its affordability and transport links, said rental and sales activity has slowed compared with pre-pandemic years.

Some agents estimated transaction volumes had fallen by between 20 and 30 per cent over the past several years.

Lower rental prices, however, have not fully revived demand.

Agents said demand from young families remains relatively stable, but fewer recent graduates are seeking accommodation in the area.

At the same time, economic opportunities across China have become more geographically diverse.

Cities such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an and Hefei are increasingly attracting young professionals with growing industries and lower settlement costs.

For some young people, opportunities abroad have also become more attractive.

Twenty-two-year-old design student Zhang Yinuo plans to pursue further studies in Malaysia after graduation instead of remaining in Beijing.

“It is not that Beijing has no opportunities, but I do not really like the lifestyle here,” she said.

Others continue to see Beijing as the best place to pursue their ambitions.

Final-year law student Gu Ling said she plans to remain in Beijing because of its educational institutions, professional networks and career opportunities.

Physics student Xia Xiuze also hopes to continue postgraduate studies in Beijing and build a career in research and development.

“Living in Beijing may come with more pressure than many other places.

“(But) as long as your ability can help you find work that gives rewards matching or exceeding that pressure, then I don’t see any problem. That is what I want to achieve,” he said.

Beijing has long served as China’s political, educational and scientific centre, attracting students and professionals from across the country.

The city hosts many of China’s top universities, research institutions and technology companies, making it a key destination for upward mobility and career advancement.

However, China’s demographic landscape is undergoing significant changes due to declining birth rates, population ageing and slower economic growth.

At the same time, government policies have encouraged more balanced urban development, creating opportunities in second-tier cities with lower living costs and expanding industries.