Chengdu’s Rising Popularity Highlights Shifts in China’s Economic Landscape

Chengdu, an inland metropolis in southwestern China, has long been stereotyped as a place marked by a relaxed lifestyle. It is often characterized as a refuge for those avoiding the intense, fast-paced work ethos typical of prosperous coastal hubs such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Historically, driven young professionals migrated from Chengdu and other interior cities toward the coast, where rapid industrialization and export-driven growth created abundant job prospects.

In recent years, even before escalating trade tensions with the United States, a growing number of young Chinese have been turning away from the high-pressure environments of the megacities. Instead, they are embracing the more relaxed lifestyle offered by Chengdu, a city that has earned the nickname 'China’s happiest city.'

Chengdu is emerging as one of China’s fastest expanding cities. Over the past five years, its population has increased by 30 percent, reaching approximately 21.5 million residents. Its real estate market is thriving, standing out as a rare positive development amid the broader national property downturn.

The city's allure, rooted in its rich history spanning over 2,300 years, reflects a growing sense of disenchantment among younger generations. Many perceive that the economy no longer generates the same level of opportunity that their parents once enjoyed.

While China’s exports have grown, triggering tariffs during recent trade disputes, the domestic economy has faced headwinds. Consumer spending remains cautious, a trend underscored by the latest government data released earlier this week.