Why Many Chinese Youth Delay Having Children

In recent years, a quiet but powerful shift has taken root across China: young adults are choosing to delay or even forgo having children. It's not rebellion—it's reality. From soaring housing prices to workplace burnout, the decision isn't emotional; it's economic, social, and deeply personal.

The Big Picture: What the Numbers Say

China’s birth rate has been on a steady decline. In 2023, the fertility rate dropped to just 1.0 child per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain population growth. That’s among the lowest in the world—lower than Japan (1.3) and South Korea (0.78).

This isn’t just about fewer babies—it’s about changing priorities. Let’s break down why.

1. The Cost of Living Is Sky-High

Imagine raising a child in Beijing or Shanghai. A one-bedroom apartment can cost over ¥8 million ($1.1 million). Even renting takes up 40–60% of a young couple’s income. Add in education—tutoring, extracurriculars, elite schools—and you’re looking at over ¥500,000 ($70,000) to raise a child to age 18, according to a 2022 study by Peking University.

2. Work Culture = No Work-Life Balance

“996” work culture—9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week—is still widespread. Young professionals are exhausted before they even consider parenthood. A 2023 survey found that 68% of urban workers feel too stressed to have kids. Parenting? That’s seen as a full-time job on top of a full-time job.

3. Women Are Prioritizing Careers & Freedom

More women than ever are earning degrees and climbing corporate ladders. But maternity often means stalled promotions or job loss. Over 60% of female respondents in a 2023 survey said career concerns influenced their decision to delay childbirth. Independence feels more secure than diapers.

4. Marriage Rates Are Falling Too

No marriage? Fewer kids. In 2023, China saw only 6.8 million marriages—down from 13.4 million in 2013. Urban youth increasingly view marriage as a financial risk, not a romantic milestone.

What’s the Government Doing?

Policies like extended maternity leave, childcare subsidies, and housing incentives exist—but they’re often too little, too late. One young mother in Hangzhou said, “I got three months off… but my job wasn’t waiting.” Trust matters more than policy paper.

Final Thoughts: A Generation Reimagining Life

Today’s Chinese youth aren’t rejecting family—they’re redefining it. With rising self-awareness and shrinking support systems, delaying children is less a refusal and more a rational response to an uncertain future. As one 28-year-old from Chengdu put it: “I want to be ready—not rushed.”

The trend won’t reverse overnight. But understanding it? That’s the first step toward meaningful change.