Why Young Chinese Are Choosing to Opt Out

In recent years, a quiet but powerful social shift has been unfolding across China: more and more young people are choosing to 'opt out' of traditional life paths. No marriage. No 9-to-5 grind. No rush for promotions. Instead, they’re embracing "tang ping" (lying flat) and "neijuan" (involution) resistance. But why?

This isn’t laziness—it’s a rebellion. A generation raised on promises of prosperity through hard work is now facing sky-high housing prices, fierce job competition, and emotional burnout. According to a 2023 survey by Peking University, over 64% of urban youth aged 18–35 report feeling 'chronically exhausted' from workplace pressure.

The Cost of 'Success' in Modern China

Let’s talk numbers. In first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the average home price exceeds ¥60,000 per square meter. Meanwhile, the median monthly salary for entry-level graduates hovers around ¥8,000. That means saving for a modest apartment could take over 30 years—without living expenses.

*Assumes no other expenses and 100% savings rate

No wonder many young Chinese are saying: 'Forget it.' Why slave away in a corporate cage for a dream that’s mathematically unattainable?

'Neijuan' vs. 'Tang Ping': The Great Cultural Pushback

"Neijuan," literally meaning 'involution,' describes the exhausting rat race where more effort brings zero real gain. You work harder than your peers just to stay in place. In contrast, "tang ping"—lying flat—is the art of stepping back. It’s not quitting life; it’s refusing to play a rigged game.

A 2022 Tencent survey found that 41% of millennials would consider switching to part-time or freelance work to regain work-life balance. And it’s working: those who’ve adopted minimalist lifestyles report higher mental well-being, even with lower incomes.

What Does 'Opting Out' Actually Look Like?

• Delayed or rejected marriage: China’s marriage rate hit a 10-year low in 2023, down 17% from 2019.
• Fertility decline: The national fertility rate dropped to 1.09 in 2023, far below the replacement level of 2.1.
• Side hustles over promotions: Over 28 million young Chinese now earn income through livestreaming, content creation, or gig platforms.

This generation isn’t giving up—they’re redefining success. As one 27-year-old graphic designer in Hangzhou put it: 'I’d rather live small and free than big and broken.'

So What’s Next?

The 'lie flat' movement may seem passive, but its ripple effects are anything but. Companies are being forced to rethink workplace culture. Cities like Chengdu are promoting 'slow living' as a lifestyle brand. And policymakers are finally acknowledging youth anxiety.

Opting out isn’t defeat—it’s a reset. For China’s youth, it’s about reclaiming autonomy in a world that demands everything and gives little back.