More of China’s graduates choose to work in second-tier cities

More Chinese professionals and young graduates are choosing to work in second- tier cities over the Mainland’s key economic centres, citing push factors such as large populations, traffic congestion, smog, and surging property prices.

This has given second-tier cities, particularly those close to the first-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzen, an opportunity to attract talented workers.

According to Beijing-based research firm MyCos cities, 23% of those who completed undergraduate courses last year chose to work in one of the 13 second-tier cities, such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Wuhan.

For the four first-tier cities, the percentage fell two points to 24%, it found.

Chinese professionals are more willing to move if there are greater rewards and room for career progression in the employing organisation.

Increasingly, the livability of Chinese cities has been a key incentive for workers. They cite more living space, less pollution, and better education opportunities for their children as being of key concern.