The young Chinese choosing life in ‘ghost cities’
Financial Times 2026-06-30 02:22:07
Context: In China's sprawling metropolises, a unique phenomenon has emerged where young Chinese are opting to make their homes in "ghost cities," which are half-empty towers left over from the country's massive housing boom. These urban castaways are defying conventional expectations by embracing life in these largely uninhabited urban landscapes. The trend is a result of China's rapid urbanization and the subsequent creation of these sprawling, yet largely empty, cities.
Key Facts
- The phenomenon of "ghost cities" in China is characterized by half-empty towers that were built during the country's massive housing boom, which has resulted in a vast, largely uninhabited urban landscape.
- Young Chinese are choosing to make their homes in these "ghost cities," which were initially intended to be thriving metropolises, but have ended up with a significant proportion of vacant housing.
- The decision to live in these "ghost cities" is driven by factors such as affordability and a desire for a unique lifestyle, with some residents viewing the empty spaces as an opportunity to create their own communities.
- The existence of "ghost cities" has significant implications for China's urban planning and economic development, highlighting the challenges of balancing growth with sustainable and equitable development.
- China's housing boom, which led to the creation of these "ghost cities," was fueled by rapid urbanization and government policies aimed at promoting economic growth through infrastructure development.