Young people represent a vital force and a core source of energy for urban development. Recently, 15 departments, including the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, jointly issued a document outlining measures to deepen the construction of youth-friendly cities and contribute to building modern, people-centered urban areas. The document proposes 18 specific initiatives across six key areas, including stimulating youth innovation and improving their quality of life, systematically optimizing the environment for young people to access opportunities, settle down, live securely, and build successful careers in cities.
Urban progress fundamentally depends on its people, particularly the younger generation. Establishing youth as key "partners" in city development, transforming urban areas into fertile ground for their growth, and enabling them to hone their skills and achieve their ambitions within the urban landscape are essential. This approach activates urban development momentum through youthful vitality, creating a virtuous cycle where the city nurtures the youth and the youth, in turn, contribute to the city, ultimately achieving mutual empowerment and shared growth.
What constitutes an "ideal harbor" in the minds of young people? The answer lies in their most fundamental aspirations. An attractive city provides high-quality employment opportunities and platforms for personal and professional growth. In recent years, numerous cities have implemented concrete measures to create "innovation hubs" for the youth. For instance, Hangzhou's digital economy has fostered new professions like e-commerce hosts and big data analysts. Shenzhen's initiatives, such as the "Dream Realization Plan" and the "Eaglet Soaring Plan," attract young people to settle and strive. When a city's industrial upgrading aligns with the employment needs of the youth and its developmental vision resonates with their pursuits, the connection between the youth and the city becomes stronger and more enduring.
Adapting cities to the needs of the youth involves not only providing platforms for them to pursue their dreams but also addressing the challenges they face during their growth. The initiatives outlined in the recent document directly tackle pain points for young people, such as job hunting, accommodation, and daily life, delivering care and support where it is most needed. These measures include promoting "Youth Stations" that offer free or low-cost temporary housing to facilitate job searches for university graduates in new cities; establishing "Youth Employment Stations" within existing employment service centers and gig economy markets; and encouraging the development of "Youth Boutiques" and similar concepts as part of building 15-minute living circles. Furthermore, the document advocates for the construction of dormitory-style and compact apartment units for young people in areas with high youth employment concentration and along major transit routes. This aims to reduce commuting costs and promote a better balance between workplace and residence. From physical infrastructure to soft services, each measure is imbued with consideration and support.
China's 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes improving policies and plans that promote youth development, creating favorable conditions for their growth, talent cultivation, and career success. Various regions are introducing practical measures to foster a positive environment for young people. For example, Shanghai has extended the free accommodation period at its Youth Stations, allowing out-of-town graduates more time and flexibility for trial and error in their career choices. Zhengzhou has integrated its Youth Talent Stations with talent apartments, making employment information and policy services readily accessible. These actions represent not only a sincere invitation from cities to the youth but also concrete steps in building youth-friendly urban environments.
Just as fish gather in deep waters, young talent is drawn to supportive environments. Currently, many regions in China have accumulated a wealth of replicable and scalable experiences in making cities more conducive to youth education, living, and employment. Looking ahead, only by continuously enriching the substance of youth-friendly city development, keeping the needs of the young generation at heart, and implementing service measures effectively can more young people find a sense of belonging and achievement. This fosters a symbiotic and prosperous relationship between youth and their cities, accumulating a powerful and enduring momentum for high-quality urban development.