How Chinese Youth View Success Differently

In today’s fast-evolving China, the concept of 'success' is getting a bold new makeover — especially among the younger generation. Forget the old-school blueprint of climbing corporate ladders or buying property by 30. Gen Z and millennials in China are rewriting the rules, chasing fulfillment over fame, balance over burnout.

According to a 2023 survey by Tencent & PwC, over 68% of Chinese youth aged 18–35 now define success as 'personal happiness and work-life balance' — a sharp shift from just a decade ago when income and job title topped the list.

Why the change? Let’s break it down.

The Burnout Backlash

Remember 996? That grueling work culture — 9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week — once glorified in startup circles, is now being rejected by young professionals. A recent report from Zhaopin.com found that 74% of under-30 workers would rather take a pay cut than return to high-pressure office environments.

This pushback isn’t just emotional — it’s economic. With rising living costs in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, many feel that no salary can compensate for lost time, health, or family.

New Metrics of Success

So what does success look like now? Think side hustles, digital nomadism, and social impact. Platforms like Xiaohongshu (China’s Instagram) are flooded with stories of young people quitting big jobs to open cafés in Yunnan, teach English online, or launch sustainable fashion brands.

Here’s how traditional vs. modern views stack up:

The Rise of 'Low-Desire Living'

Some call it “sang” culture — a mix of sarcasm and sadness about societal pressure. Others embrace “foxi” (Buddha-like) living: calm, detached, minimalist. This mindset isn’t laziness — it’s intentional disengagement from rat races they never wanted to join.

A 2024 study by iResearch showed that nearly 40% of urban youth are actively choosing lower-stress jobs, even if it means earning less. They’re prioritizing hobbies, travel, and mental health apps like HeyDay and Lemon Mind.

Digital Freedom & Side Gigs

The internet has been a game-changer. With platforms like Douyin and Bilibili, young creators monetize talents overnight — no corporate gatekeepers needed. One viral video could mean financial independence.

Take Lily Chen, a 26-year-old from Chengdu who left her finance job to sell handmade ceramics online. 'I make half my old salary,' she says, 'but I sleep better, see my parents more, and actually enjoy Mondays.'

Challenges Ahead

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Family expectations, housing prices, and job market instability still weigh heavily. But the narrative is shifting — slowly, steadily.

As one Weibo user put it: 'We’re not giving up on success. We’re just defining it for ourselves.'

In a world obsessed with hustle, Chinese youth are proving that slowing down isn’t surrender — it’s strategy.