Why Young Chinese Choose to Opt Out Slowly

In recent years, a quiet but powerful cultural shift has been sweeping through China’s urban youth: the rise of 'slow opting out.' More and more young people—especially millennials and Gen Z—are stepping back from the relentless grind of high-pressure jobs, sky-high housing costs, and societal expectations to live simpler, more intentional lives. This isn’t laziness—it’s a conscious retreat from burnout, and it’s reshaping how we think about success.

The Burnout Backlash

For decades, the Chinese dream was defined by rapid economic growth, long work hours (think 996: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week), and material achievement. But today’s youth are asking: At what cost?

A 2023 survey by the China Youth Daily found that over 65% of urban professionals under 35 report chronic stress or emotional exhaustion. Meanwhile, housing prices in cities like Beijing and Shanghai have skyrocketed—reaching price-to-income ratios as high as 40:1 in some districts. That means the average worker would need 40 years of salary—before spending—to afford a home.

Tan Chai: The Art of Quiet Withdrawal

This movement goes by many names—'lying flat' (tang ping), 'letting it rot' (pei xiang), or more recently, tan chai (literally 'stepping down and retreating'). But rather than total disengagement, tan chai is about strategic withdrawal: working less, consuming less, and reclaiming time.

Take 28-year-old Lily Chen from Hangzhou, who left her tech job to teach yoga and grow vegetables on a rural commune. 'I used to earn 30,000 RMB a month, but I had no life,' she says. 'Now I make 8,000—but I sleep well, and I’m present.'

Numbers Don’t Lie: A Lifestyle Shift in Data

Let’s break it down with real stats:

As this data shows, values are shifting fast. It’s not just about money—it’s about meaning.

Not Giving Up—Just Redefining Success

'Slow opting out' isn’t defeat. It’s a recalibration. Young Chinese aren’t rejecting ambition—they’re rejecting the false promise that endless hustle equals fulfillment.

Instead, they’re finding joy in small-scale farming, indie art, freelance gigs, and community-based living. Platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) are flooded with posts showing minimalist homes, DIY crafts, and serene countryside views—proof that a quieter life can still be rich.

The Road Ahead

Will this trend last? Some critics call it unsustainable. But for a generation raised on pressure, 'opting out slowly' may be the most rational choice they’ve ever made. As one blogger put it: 'I’m not lying down—I’m breathing.'