China unveils ‘youth-growth-oriented’ cities plan to tackle demographic decline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nChina has unveiled an innovative strategy to integrate youth development into urban planning, housing, health care, education and public services. <\/p>\n
The primary goal of the release is to make urban living environments more supportive of youth, children and families. <\/p>\n
The new blueprint, jointly issued by 15 departments and released on Wednesday, aims to expand the creation of “youth-growth-oriented cities”. <\/p>\n
The move follows Beijing’s March announcement to establish a “child-friendly society” between 2026 and 2030. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, officials are working to reverse China’s significant demographic decline after data showed births are set to fall to 7.92 million in 2025, a record low. <\/p>\n
China’s population shrank by 3.39 million last year, after declining for the fourth consecutive year. <\/p>\n
To tackle this, the new strategy includes measures such as better matchmaking and social services, expanded childcare subsidies and wider coverage of mother and baby rooms in public places. <\/p>\n
Additionally, it aims to upgrade maternity and pediatric care while ensuring equal school access for children of migrant workers.<\/p>\n
Expanding employment and career development<\/span><\/h2>\nIt focuses on creating high-quality jobs in emerging sectors such as lean economy, intelligent robots and biomedicine. <\/p>\n
The initiative will provide support to young founders through subsidized workplaces and better access to startup capital in youth-friendly urban areas. <\/p>\n
Additionally, it aims to provide access to services and education for the children of migrant workers, removing barriers that previously prevented workers from settling permanently in cities. <\/p>\n
Strengthening social and community services<\/span><\/h2>\nInterestingly, the blueprint includes provisions for government-supported matchmaking and social services to help youth expand their social circles and find partners. <\/p>\n
Furthermore, it aims to increase the availability of psychological counseling and mental health resources specifically tailored to the high-stress environment of major cities.<\/p>\n
“By 2030, the concept of youth-development-oriented cities will be widely established,” the policy said, adding that China aims to build a “relatively mature and complete system for youth development” by 2035.<\/p>\n
China is playing a key role in urban transformation, having released a blueprint for high-quality urban development last year to make cities more liveable by 2035. <\/p>\n
This initiative is in line with the authorities’ shift towards prioritizing quality of life and sustainable development rather than just rapid growth.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n