Since the outbreak of the pandemic, various industries in China such as real estate, internet, education, healthcare, and finance have been under pressure, leading to a downturn in many sectors with closures, layoffs, and unemployment becoming a trend. As the Chinese New Year approaches this year, many Chinese citizens find themselves unable to make money or see any hope, lamenting that the upcoming festival feels more like a burden rather than a celebration.
January 14 marked the official start of China’s Spring Festival travel rush. Official estimates project a total cross-regional passenger flow of 9 billion, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. However, numerous videos circulating on mainland social media platforms depict sparse crowds at train stations and high-speed rail lines, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of past Spring Festival travel periods.
Has the tide of migrant workers returning to their hometowns disappeared, or is there another explanation for this phenomenon?
A businessman from southern China, Mr. Li, expressed to Dajiyuan that the economic situation is becoming increasingly dire, making it harder to find employment. Since 2022 and 2023, many people have stopped venturing out for work. Even those who did migrate for work in 2024 often struggled to secure jobs that could adequately support their families.
Mr. Wang in Fuzhou, Fujian province, shared with Dajiyuan that job opportunities are scarce nowadays, particularly in the past two to three years. He noted a significant decrease in migrant workers from other provinces, with most individuals returning to their home regions. Those staying behind predominantly rely on irregular work, with only a few days of employment opportunities per month.
Over a decade ago, the streets were filled with migrant workers engaged in various construction and renovation projects. However, since the pandemic restrictions eased, there was a temporary surge in migrant workers seeking job opportunities, only to witness a subsequent decline due to the scarcity of work.
Mr. Qiu from Shenzhen mentioned that job prospects have been deteriorating year by year, with fewer advertisements seeking workers displayed outside factories. The lack of job postings and interested individuals suggests a significant reduction in available work and employment opportunities compared to previous years.
Due to the slump in the real estate sector and reduced construction activities, finding employment in urban areas has become increasingly challenging for migrant workers. Factories facing a decline in orders are also cutting down on staff numbers, prompting many migrant workers to take extended breaks. The high cost of living in urban areas further contributes to migrants opting for early returns to their hometowns.
Mr. Qiu remarked that the current scarcity of orders means there is little work to be done, leading many individuals to leave earlier than usual. Highways are congested with traffic these days, with reports indicating an earlier-than-usual onset of traffic jams compared to past years.
In previous times, the Spring Festival and the joy of returning home were festive affairs. However, nowadays, conversations revolve more around the struggles of earning a living, the absence of festive spirit, and the lack of hope. Some commentators have noted that 2025 is perhaps the most hopeless year for the Chinese people since 1978.
Mr. Qiu from Shenzhen mentioned that the festive atmosphere has vanished this year, with little enthusiasm for the celebrations. The restriction on setting off firecrackers further dampens the traditional festive vibe, with fewer people decorating with lanterns and couplets in the streets.
Moreover, the customary New Year gift packages are now significantly cheaper, indicating the financial constraints faced by the population. Many businesses are experiencing a decline in customer traffic, with frequent turnovers among shop owners as they struggle to maintain profitability.
Mr. Li highlighted the prevailing atmosphere of financial struggles and hopelessness among the populace, stressing the burden of debts that many individuals carry due to challenging economic conditions. The rising number of people defaulting on loans or resorting to online borrowing platforms reflects the desperation pervading society.
In light of the grim employment landscape, many young graduates find themselves jobless shortly after completing their studies, resorting to unsustainable financial practices to make ends meet. The increasing trend of young individuals staying at home, relying on their parents for financial support, paints a bleak picture of the overall employment situation.
With debts mounting and financial hardships worsening, Mr. Wang emphasized the potential social repercussions if the economic downturn persists. The accumulation of unemployment alongside economic instability could potentially lead to a major societal crisis in the near future.
In conclusion, Mr. Li expressed deep pessimism and despair regarding the nation’s future outlook. He anticipates little improvement in the current situation, underscoring the prevailing challenges faced by the population amidst economic turmoil.