In her book “China in One Village,” Liang Hong highlights the decline of rural life in her hometown, describing empty buildings and a diminishing population. The migration of approximately 350 million villagers to cities, driven by urban prosperity and market reforms, has resulted in increasingly abandoned communities.
In response, the Chinese government has initiated a “rural revitalization” campaign, aiming to encourage urban residents to return and contribute to rural economies through businesses like cafes and home-stays. Enhanced transport and communication infrastructure have facilitated this shift, enabling the rise of “Taobao villages” where households engage in e-commerce. Farmers have also begun using livestreaming to market their produce directly to urban consumers.
Conversely, urban residents are experiencing significant pressures, which some seek to escape by moving to rural areas. This mirrors historical trends in the West, where disillusioned individuals sought alternative lifestyles. Factors influencing this migration include high youth unemployment rates and a perceived lack of rewards from hard work. The aging population further complicates this scenario, as a growing number of retirees are unable to afford city living.
Moreover, the hukou system affects family dynamics and limits opportunities for rural inhabitants. Although China announced in 2020 that it had eradicated extreme poverty, improvements have often come with significant drawbacks, such as forced relocations. This victory, measured by specific criteria, may not reflect broader realities in remote regions, where development often lags.
While new opportunities exist for some, disparities remain. Rural areas far from urban centers may not experience the same benefits as those in proximity to major roads and cities. Projections indicate that the rural labor force will continue to shrink, as the government’s development strategy increasingly focuses on technology-driven urban growth. Without comprehensive reforms in social protection and education investment, rural areas may continue to struggle, reinforcing the notion of countryside as a place to abandon.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/24/the-guardian-view-on-rural-china-urbanites-contemplate-an-escape-to-the-country