The real estate market in China has taken a steep decline, causing many elderly people to struggle to sell their homes to pay for nursing or assisted living. This decline has had a ripple effect, impacting doctors who find themselves with fewer patients able to afford operations and businesspeople who are hesitant to invest in such an unstable environment. College graduates facing a grim job market are choosing to “lie flat” or drop out of the workforce. Even schoolchildren are affected, with some experiencing depression and having to leave school as a result. The blame for this economic downturn is often placed on the West and Japan, leading to an increase in emigration from China.
Emigration from China has been on the rise, with many people leaving the country in search of a better future. Despite the challenges of starting life in a new country, some individuals end up returning to China due to missing the warmth of Chinese family life. There is a rising trend of women leaving high-powered careers in China to accompany their children to the United States, with hopes of them assimilating and achieving success in Western society. The long-term impact of these sacrifices remains uncertain, as it is still early to determine whether these children will become fully Westernized or if they will feel like foreigners in the future.
While some individuals in China are choosing to “lie flat” or disengage from the workforce, there is also a sense of awareness and potential for change amongst the population. The current state of fatigue and despondency among the people in Shanghai may not be permanent, as there is a possibility for them to rise up and demand better conditions. The phrase “xin lei,” or hearts tired, reflects the general sentiment in Shanghai, but there is also a spark of hope that things could improve in the future. The future of China remains uncertain, but there is potential for change and progress in the face of economic challenges.
