The Rise of the "Lying Flat" Movement: Reclaiming Life in China's Ghost Cities

The "Life in Venice" development, a massive and costly replica of the Italian city located on the Chinese coast, remains largely desolate, with many of its thousands of residences standing as unfinished concrete shells. Despite its remote and partially abandoned state, the complex has recently attracted a new demographic of residents, such as Sasa Chen, a 28-year-old former finance professional from Shanghai. By relocating to this Jiangsu province development, where monthly rent is as low as 1,200 RMB (approximately $168), Chen has managed to retire early. This migration reflects a growing trend among Chinese youth who are moving to smaller, more affordable towns to capitalize on a real estate market that has seen significant price declines following the pandemic.

This shift represents a notable departure from previous generations who migrated to megacities in pursuit of upward mobility during China’s period of rapid economic expansion. As the economy has slowed, professional competition has intensified, often requiring a "996" work schedule—9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. In response to these grueling demands, many young professionals have embraced the "lying flat" movement, prioritizing a low-desire lifestyle over traditional career success. This approach mirrors the Western "FIRE" (Financial Independence, Retire Early) philosophy but is more accessible in China due to the extremely low cost of living in specific regions. For instance, property values at "Life in Venice" have decreased by more than half, and local meals are available for less than three dollars.

The development was originally conceived in the early 2010s by the real estate giant Evergrande as a luxury retreat for Shanghai’s elite. However, following the collapse of the debt-driven property market and Evergrande’s 2024 bankruptcy, demand vanished, leaving the site as a "ghost town" with less than 20% occupancy. Despite the decaying infrastructure and empty storefronts, the tranquility and affordability continue to draw a small number of residents seeking autonomy. While comprehensive national data on this workforce exodus is limited, statistics indicate that Beijing alone lost 1.6 million residents aged 20 to 35 between 2019 and 2024.

Experts suggest this trend signifies a broader societal rejection of the traditional, linear career path. With China’s economic growth slowing to 5% in 2025 and youth unemployment for those aged 16 to 24 reaching 16.5% as of late last year, many are seeking alternatives in remote areas. In addition to "Life in Venice," locations like the former coal-mining city of Hegang have become popular destinations for those seeking exceptionally cheap housing in regions where the supply of homes now far exceeds the dwindling population.