China's richest city has collapsed! No people, no businesses—it's a desolate scene!

Shanghai has turned into a desolate ghost city. There are fewer and fewer people on the streets, shops are shutting down and businesses are going bankrupt. Take a look. This is the current state of Shanghai's food markets at 10 am, which is typically the peak time for buying groceries. Yet there are barely any customers. The shops and restaurants on the street can be summarized in one word, frozen. Even large malls in Shanghai are practically empty. The economy in China is rapidly declining. And in the once-bustling city of Shanghai, unprecedented scenes of depression are appearing everywhere. Where have all the people of Shanghai gone? The decline of Shanghai reflects the decline of China's economy. Let's take a look at a video shot by a netizen. He said, I will take you to see Shanghai's Laowai Street. Now it is basically empty. Although the lights are still on, many shops are closed. In the past, this was Shanghai's wealthy area, and very wealthy people would come here to shop. This bar is open, but it is not very busy, and there are very few customers inside. China's economy is declining, the income of ordinary people is decreasing, and people's consumption habits are becoming more conservative. This has caused department stores everywhere to be depressed, and even old-fashioned shopping malls cannot withstand the economic pressure and have stopped operating. Isetan Department Store, a large Japanese chain store with a history of nearly 140 years, had a branch on Nanjing West Road in Shanghai, located in Meilong Town Square. On June 30th, this mall had its last business day, officially ending 27 years of operation. On that day, many long-time customers braved the rain to visit Isetan Department Store to witness its final moments and took photos to commemorate it. The mall posted a farewell message, flowers all the way, grateful for the encounter. At 6 p.m., the Japanese manager and staff of Isetan Department Store lined up at the door and said goodbye to the customers in Chinese. Thank you very much for your support over the years. The older generation of Shanghai consumers have a special attachment to this Japanese department store. In the 1990s, Isetan, with its century-old business history, entered the Chinese market at the right time. At that time, Chinese people had just learned about world-famous brands, and Meilong Town Isetan was undoubtedly a showcase for high-end brands in Shanghai. The cosmetics counters on the first floor sold branded cosmetics for 1,000 or 2,000 yuan each, which met the consumption needs of middle-class white-collar women. Videos shot by netizens show that as early as a few months before Isetan in Meilong Town announced its closure, this high-end department store was already empty. The Japanese ice cream shop that used to be famous now doesn't have as many people queuing up as before. Isetan's branches in Asia also include Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, but its branches in China have closed one after another. A few years ago, Shenyang Isetan withdrew from the market. On the last day of 2022, Chengdu Isetan also closed its store, and now Shanghai Isetan has also officially closed its store. It is not the first Japanese department store to suffer dismal performance. Another Japanese high-end department store, Takashimaya, closed its flagship store in Shanghai in 2019 and ceased its business in China. Just one month after Isetan closed its doors, the Shanghai Westgate Plaza, where it is located, also announced its closure. The Westgate Mall said in its closure notice that after careful consideration, the Westgate Plaza, which includes a shopping mall, office building, and underground parking lot, along with other merchants and tenants except the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, will close starting from August 1. It is a common reality that physical retailers are currently facing tremendous operating pressure. According to incomplete statistics, at least 35 department stores closed in 2022. According to the Retail Research Center of lianshang.com, 21 department stores closed nationwide last year, including once-popular well-known department stores such as Pacific Department Store, Aon, and Parkson. Shanghai is the largest city in China and the economic center of China. The decline of Shanghai seems to reflect the decline of China's economy. Weibo user WalkingWuLingLing is a lawyer. She once posted on Weibo about her experience on a business trip to Shanghai, revealing that Shanghai is no longer prosperous and is in a state of decline. The article said that on the afternoon of September 19 last year, lawyer Wu set off from Hangzhou to Shanghai. She went to Shanghai to handle some cases related to bankruptcy and liquidation. She noted that three or four years ago, Shanghai's economy was still very active and the foreign market was full of vitality. Entrepreneurs were ambitious and motivated. At that time, lawyers mostly handled cases such as listings, transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. But now, lawyers mostly deal with bankruptcy and liquidation, which is really sad. After leaving the train station, lawyer Wu took a taxi. The driver told her that the economy in Shanghai had recently worsened significantly. He drove a taxi day and night but couldn't afford to rent a house and had to eat and Lawyer Wu said, embarrassed, Why is life so difficult? The driver replied, Yes, I wait at the bar's door at night to pick up customers, but now even the ladies are reluctant to take a taxi. They all use shared bicycles to get home. Lawyer Wu's experience in Shanghai brings to mind another popular article online titled, We are all sad that Shanghai has become like this. The author, who accompanied a foreign friend on a tour of Shanghai, witnessed the current state of depression at Hongqiao Station, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and Shanghai Railway Station, and expressed his dismay. The author of the article is Changcheng Yiantang. He mentioned in a previous article titled, Only when I arrived at Hongqiao Station did I realize that Shanghai is really out of money, that the shops on both sides of the passage in the station were closed, the lights were dim, and iron locks hung high. With no lively atmosphere remaining. However, the hall was crowded and extremely hot. When describing the once-bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai, the article noted that the entrance to the huge landmark plaza was deserted, and it was euphemistically referred to as upgrading and renovation. Only the top few floors were open, and few people visited. I wanted to eat at the restaurant on the sixth floor, but the escalators on the second and fourth floors were closed. Was there not even enough money to operate the elevators? The most striking thing is Meters Banwei. Its doors are closed, iron frames are exposed, and a few large characters are vaguely visible. The wires of the door lights hang unsightly in the air. It is like a huge plaster on the pedestrian street. Shouldn't a large number of companies be scrambling to get into this valuable place? It is said that almost all the shops in the underground passage of Shanghai Railway Station are closed. The author went to check and confirmed that what was said was true. The shops selling stationery are closed. The shops selling clothes are closed. The shops selling phone cards are closed. And the shops selling mobile phone accessories are all closed. Shops in Shanghai have closed one after another, and the catering industry has continued to be sluggish. There was a high-end restaurant that had only one table of diners for nearly two hours at noon. The Cantonese restaurant on the third floor of a five-star luxury hotel in Dongjiadu Financial City on the Bund in Shanghai was once popular. It ranked seventh on the Lujiazui Cantonese cuisine praise list on Dianping. Surrounded by many financial institutions, it was a common spot for business meals. Even though the per capita consumption was nearly 500 yuan, it was often still difficult to find a seat. However, when Li Min visited in January this year, he was shocked by the surprisingly deserted scene. During the nearly two-hour lunch, Li Min and his friends had the entire lobby to themselves, and the private rooms were also empty. Li Min's friend works in an investment bank and noted that in addition to oriental securities, several financial institutions such as China Universal Securities, Haitong Securities, China Taiping Insurance Group, and the Gold Exchange have their headquarters nearby. A total of 14 financial institutions are located in the area. Many financial professionals used to frequent the restaurant. The restaurant's business had been good during this period in the past, but today's situation was unexpected. Hong Kong's retail apocalypse, skyrocketing prices and mass exodus to Shenzhen for bargains. It's truly astonishing how the dynamics have shifted for shoppers from Hong Kong. Previously, during festive seasons, border crossings were congested with mainlanders flocking to Hong Kong for its renowned shopping and tourism attractions. However, the tables have turned dramatically. Nowadays, you can spot Hong Kong residents surging northward into Shenzhen, their arms laden with hefty suitcases, eager to indulge in a shopping spree that seems to know no bounds. Their enthusiasm for retail therapy and the power of their spending are simply unparalleled. On a typical Easter weekend, the scene is so chaotic that even the building elevators buckle under the pressure, forcing us to opt for the fire escape. Once we arrive in Shenzhen, the shopping frenzy truly begins. From trendy baked goods vanishing off the shelves to the rapid sale of shredded chicken that could cramp your hands, the consumer excitement is palpable. The long lines at restaurants snake down the streets, especially during Easter when what you spend in Hong Kong barely affords you a simple meal, whereas in the mainland, the same amount could treat you to a lavish experience at five-star venues. The welcome in mainland eateries is warm and inviting, contrasting starkly with the less enthusiastic reception one might find back in Hong Kong. Additionally, the convenience of shopping in the mainland is unbeatable. After a day's shopping, you can swiftly package and send your purchases back home. The commute back and forth across the border is so efficient, often taking less than 30 minutes, and there's even a specific line for shoppers making quick trips. This new shopping paradigm line where you earn in Hong Kong and spend in Shenzhen became evident when Hong Kongers celebrated their New Year festival in Shenzhen, swamping the city to the point where navigating daily commutes and long-border waits became a trial. Yet, the savings made it worthwhile a meal in Shenzhen, complete with buttered shrimp, cost just Y1.28, a stark contrast to Hong Kong prices where the same amount barely covers basic noodles. During the Easter holiday rush from March 29 to April 1, over 2.27 million exits were recorded from Hong Kong to the mainland, with only about 498,000 returns, illustrating a staggering trend where over 83% of outbound travelers were Hong Kong residents. The influx at Luohu Port created extensive delays, sometimes over an hour, pushing many to abandon their plans and return home. Even more extreme were the conditions at the Shenzhen Bay Port, where wait times could exceed an hour due to the sheer volume of cross-border shoppers. Key shopping destinations like WTI Plaza, Cocoa Park, and Mixi were overwhelmed by the presence of Hong Kong shoppers, to the extent that the Cantonese language dominated the scene. Dining out meant enduring long waits, a testament to the area's popularity among Hong Kong visitors. Whether it's for the weekend fun with family, a shopping hall at Sam's Club, or the significant savings on dining and entertainment, Shenzhen has become an extended playground for those from the South. This shift is not just about convenience and savings, it's a significant economic movement that's reshaping the local dynamics in both regions, proving that the once simple day trips to Shenzhen have now evolved into multi-day ventures, driven by the unmatched value and hospitality found there. You'll find that many of the faces in line ahead of you will be Hong Kong residents, a testament to the city's changing dynamics. Even popular establishments like the Heidilo Hot Pot Chain Experience extended wait times during peak dining hours. Many from Hong Kong now travel to Shenzhen for extended weekends, combining family outings with substantial shopping trips at places like Sam's Club, where they enjoy significant savings on dining, entertainment and transport costs. During recent TV interviews, several visitors from Hong Kong revealed plans to prolong their stays in Shenzhen beyond just the weekend, sometimes using the city as a jumping-off point for further travel within mainland China. The appeal of Shenzhen for longer stays has become a hot topic of discussion. What was previously a brief day trip has evolved into longer, more frequent visits. Analysts note that for just 1,000 yen, one can indulge in the luxury of a five-star hotel in Shenzhen, presenting an unmatched value compared to the steep prices back home. This shift raises the question of why such trips weren't as common before. Some suggest that with the increasing economic pressures in Hong Kong, residents are finding more value in spending their money where it stretches further. This trend has accelerated since border customs operations normalized in February 2023, leading to a significant influx of shoppers from Hong Kong into Shenzhen during holidays, which has, in turn, started to strain Hong Kong's local businesses. In 2024, the impact on Hong Kong's economy is palpable. Areas that once buzzed with activity now resemble ghost towns. For instance, during a recent lunchtime walk in Central, the streets were noticeably empty even a significant event like the Basel exhibition failed to attract crowds. The South China Morning Post highlighted that local restaurants have been particularly hard-hit, with one chain reporting a 30% drop in sales compared to the previous year. Benyai Qicong, who runs Sakichi Hot Pot, Disheartened by the lack of patronage, he opted to close his restaurant to conserve resources and give his staff a needed break. The situation is dire across various districts, with many restaurant owners experiencing similar declines. Despite these challenges, rent prices continue to climb, compounding the difficulties for local entrepreneurs. Mr. Liu, a barbecue shop owner, noted that while his Hong Kong clientele has dwindled, those who travel to Shenzhen find barbecue pork prices dramatically lower, prompting even greater cross-border shopping during holidays. The stark price discrepancies have led to calls for measures like an exit tax to curb the outflow of consumers and protect local businesses from further decline. This situation has ignited widespread concern among the business community in Hong Kong, fearing that without intervention, the current trends could lead to even more severe economic repercussions for the city. Hong Kong is struggling to keep pace with Shenzhen, relying heavily on a dedicated clientele to stay afloat. Local business owners have voiced concerns that the increasing number of residents heading north to spend has significantly affected the domestic market, potentially more detrimental than the challenges faced during the pandemic. This shift has sparked discussions among business leaders, some of whom are suggesting the government consider imposing an exit tax to curb the exodus of shoppers. The issue has grown so severe that a group known as the Hong Kong Shop Closure Concern Group has emerged, drawing attention from over 210,000 online supporters. This issue is exacerbated during peak travel times, like the Easter and Qingming Festival holidays, leading to decreased local consumer activity. A post from a street market vendor on the popular social platform highlights the struggle, noting her plans to shut her shop early due to the lack of patronage. Even major fish markets are feeling the pinch, with some shutting down due to unsustainable conditions. Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, reported a stark 30% drop in business over the Easter period compared to the previous year, which has hit luxury dining spots particularly hard. He also noted that between 200 to 300 restaurants have closed in recent months. The sentiment is echoed by Sam Yip, a former district councillor, who pointed out that even the traditionally affluent central and western districts are seeing a downturn in consumer spending. This downturn is intricately linked to broader sociopolitical changes within Hong Kong, particularly since the introduction of the national security law. This law has sparked a notable immigration wave, reducing the city's middle-class population and, consequently, its spending power. Reports from Radio Free Asia have detailed how these changes, coupled with increased rents, have led to widespread business closures, most severely impacting the catering and retail sectors. Joel, a theme restaurant owner in Munnock, lamented the desolation that now characterizes Nathan Rowe to stark contrast to its pre-pandemic bustle. Hong Kong's economy continues to struggle despite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable decline following the enactment of the national security law in 2020. Over 400,000 residents have emigrated from July 2020 to December 2022, as reported by Dr. Fai-El Kai-Chi from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The UK Home Office has confirmed a significant number of these immigrants have resettled in the contributing to a substantial reduction in Hong Kong's labor force, particularly among the young and highly skilled. This mass migration reflects the broader dissatisfaction among residents, like Mark Lee, a local fitness instructor, who admitted that the diminishing freedoms and increased mainland influence have left him contemplating immigration. This sentiment underscores the profound challenges facing Hong Kong's key sectors, such as transportation, logistics and tourism, highlighting a city in economic and social flux, grappling with its identity and future viability. The aviation, catering and retail sectors in Hong Kong have all faced significant setbacks, leading to a noticeable decline in the city's economic performance, a reality that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. In bustling shopping districts like Causeway Bay's Sugar Street, Once Prime Real Estate is now renting for up to HK$880,000, a figure that was unimaginable during Xi Jinping's leadership. This shift marks a drastic change from Hong Kong's days as a thriving international financial center, now seen by some as a bygone era. The downturn has extended to Hong Kong's ports, which were once busy international transhipment hubs. Recent years have seen a consistent drop in container throughput, with the overall business volume significantly decreasing. The ranking of Hong Kong's container terminals has plummeted to its lowest since 2005, reflecting the decline in activity and significance. Terminal 2, for instance, has rarely been seen empty in the past two decades, yet now it often sits largely unused. This decline is reflective of the broader economic challenges facing the region, affecting not just the elite but the grassroots population whose livelihoods depend on the logistics and shipping sectors. These industries are acutely sensitive to systemic and political shifts, highlighting the interconnectedness of Hong Kong's economy with its political climate. The political backdrop in Hong Kong has led to a re-evaluation of its economic standing on the global stage. Major shipping firms are now rerouting their operations to newer, larger ports to maintain efficient delivery schedules, further sidelining Hong Kong's role as a transshipment point. Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute for Supply Management, has noted that one of the primary reasons for this shift is the significant change in Hong Kong's international political standing, following the loss of its special status granted by the United States, among other countries. This repositioning is compounded by legislative changes within Hong Kong itself, particularly the enactment of Article 23 of the Basic Law and the National Security Law, which align Hong Kong more closely with mainland Chinese policies and further diminish its autonomy. These changes have been critical, with Chris Patton, former governor of Hong Kong, commenting that such moves represent another large nail in the coffin of Hong Kong's human rights and rule of law. Such developments have led to vocal criticisms from within the business community. Ronnie Chen, chairman of the Hong Long Group, has expressed pessimism about the future of Hong Kong's economy, suggesting that the peak of its economic power may have passed. In an era fraught with uncertainties, Chen advocates for corporate prudence over expansion, reflecting a sentiment of caution rather than growth. This cautious outlook is echoed by Stephen Roach, former chief economist at Morgan Stanley, who, despite being a long-time optimist about China's economic policies, has raised serious concerns about the viability of Hong Kong's future economic and political landscape. His criticisms, which he shared at a forum in Beijing, have touched on sensitive issues, leading to restrictions on his public discussions about Hong Kong. These collective insights paint a stark picture of a city grappling with profound economic and political challenges, signaling a critical juncture in its history where its very identity and economic stability are at stake. I have been in Guangzhou for half a month, and I haven't found a job. I am going to collapse. I thought I could easily find a decent job in Guangzhou, and I was so picky. Now I just want to have a job and income. You may not believe it, but in Guangzhou, many delivery men sleep in bridge holes. In order to save money, they are reluctant to rent a house, eat and sleep outdoors every day, and go to deliver food after waking up, just to save money to support their families. If it is not forced by life, who would be willing to live such a wandering life? As China's economy continues to decline, the unemployment problem is becoming more and more serious. Some people who are unemployed do not want to let their families know, so they pretend to go to work every day and stay in the library, Starbucks, etc., for a day. White-collar workers have a hard time when they are unemployed, and the lives of lower-class people are even harder. In big cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, some workers set up tents and lived under bridges to save rent. After being exposed by the media, they were cleared out by the authorities. Today, we will talk about related topics. Recently, many mainland netizens have been shouting on the internet that they are unemployed and can't find a job. Some netizens said, I have been unemployed for four months. Many people around me who are working dare not resign. They hold on no matter how hard or tiring it is. There are also messages saying, I am 37 years old and have been unemployed for three years. When I was unemployed in the first year, I kept looking for a job, but basically everyone disliked my age. Now, I have given up and returned to my hometown to lie down there. Some netizens said, I can't find a job in Shanghai. Let me tell you about the current employment situation in Shanghai. I left my job at the end of July 2024, and I haven't found a job until now. Doesn't it sound outrageous? I worked as a financial manager in a well-known company for seven years and led a small team of seven people, but I couldn't find a job. Is there something wrong with me? I tell you it's not my problem, but the current employment situation is too severe. I started to use job search software at the end of August, and so far, I think there are only 20 to 30 jobs suitable for me. The key is that most of the recruitment information has not been updated for four or five months. As a result, even if I actively contact 100 people in the recruitment market, only three or five will respond to me. Netizens lamented that it is too difficult for college graduates with no family background to find a job. I am really going to collapse. Is it so difficult for college students to find a job now? Are college students without family backgrounds really unemployed after graduation? After graduating from college, I found that college students are really everywhere now, and there are a lot of them. Today is July 21, 2024. It has been more than half a month since I left school. I rented a small single room outside. Every day, I submitted resumes on several recruitment platforms, but they were all ignored, and there were very few replies. Many people are unemployed now, but they don't want their families to know. So they go to Starbucks, order a cup of coffee, and surf the internet for a day. Some people go to the library every day and sit there, pretending to go to work. Some people go to the study room, pay dozens of yuan, and sit there for a day. And some go to the gym and work out with a briefcase. Recently, more and more people are pretending to go to work. Groups of unemployed people go to the library and sit there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They put a laptop in front of them and stay there all day. Under the wave of unemployment, libraries have become invisible workplaces. In order to maintain the illusion of daily life and avoid family worries, libraries are also crowded on working days. Today, I came to Guangzhou Library to see the appearance of Guangzhou Library and to see if there are any handsome men and beautiful women inside. What are they doing? Are they reading seriously, studying, or sleeping? Or are they in love? As soon as I came in, I saw many people playing with their phones and sleeping. Most of the people in the area you see now are studying hard, and some are watching movies on their computers. Basically, those sitting on the sofa are sleeping, playing with their phones, etc. And few people are studying or reading. Everyone is sleeping soundly, so I won't disturb them. This is the real situation of Guangzhou Library. Every time I come here, I see many people sleeping here. Too many people have to sleep under bridges. Life is too difficult. There are videos showing that there are a large number of unemployed young people living under the Guangdong Bridge. They don't have a fixed job or money to pay the rent. Sometimes they rely on picking up waste and selling it for money to exchange for food. There is a group of young homeless people living under the Guangdong Bridge. They don't have a fixed job. Living under the bridge, they refuse to leave despite persuasion, because once they left, they would face high living costs such as rent, water, electricity, fuel, rice, oil, and salt. When they were hungry, they gathered together to cook noodles, and there was not even a single vegetable to be seen inside. Sometimes they would also broadcast live, dreaming of when they would be rich and prosperous. But most of the time, they could only make ends meet by picking up some waste. I didn't expect that there would be so many young vagrants in this peaceful and prosperous world. In addition to young people who can't find a job, there are also some unemployed and indebted middle-aged individuals living under the bridge, as well as delivery workers, couriers, and street vendors. Many people don't even have tents or quilts, and they lack adequate clothing and food. They can't afford the rent. The rent in Guangzhou is over 1,000 yuan per month, while their monthly salary is only slightly more than 3,000 yuan. Living in a bridge hole can save them more than 10,000 yuan a year. In addition to sleeping in bridge holes, some people sleep in parks, internet cafes, or on the street to avoid paying property fees, management fees, and water and electricity bills. Here are the homeless individuals sleeping under a bridge hole in Shenzhen. More than a dozen people are sleeping under this bridge, all under the age of 30. In this narrow bridge hole, sleeping in a tent is neither breathable nor ventilated. There are many mosquitoes during the day and insects at night. An unemployed young man, Xiaoshu, pseudonym, said that a large number of factories in Kunshan had shut down, and workers who were unwilling to leave did odd jobs to make a living. However, there were fewer odd jobs this year, and the daily wage had dropped to 130 yuan. They lived in the bridge hole, enduring hunger and cold. He said, Wow, what a strong smell. There are really people living here. They used boards to renovate and live in this space. It's completely full. Look at the ground here. They use firewood to cook, and the doors are all locked. In a park in Guangdong, several unemployed young people were living and sleeping on benches, but they were driven away by policemen and not allowed to stay there. The trees in the park still had their spare clothes hanging on them. In Guangzhou, Shanghai, and other big cities, people sleeping under bridges were also driven away by the authorities. The whole family is unemployed. The Great Depression is coming Beijing. Shanghai are also finished. We are ready to give up delivering food. He had his salary cut for more than two months, but he insisted on delivering food for 27 days. He came back last night and told me that he didn't want to do it anymore. From December 1st to yesterday, he only earned slightly more than 450 yuan in total, which is just 1,000 yuan a month. It's not suitable. First, the battery of our electric car is not very good. It runs out of power after a few orders. In addition, it is difficult to grab orders now, and the unit price is very low. I spend four hours every night and can only earn 40 yuan. Not only do I tire myself out, but I can't warm up for half a day after coming back from a cold day. China's economy continues to deteriorate, and the youth unemployment rate remains high. The main reasons are weak domestic demand, shrinking foreign markets, and foreign capital leaving China one after another. Before the new year, the wave of layoffs became more severe, and even big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai were no exception. Today we will talk about China's unemployment wave. On December 19th, a Beijing woman posted on the internet saying that her whole family had lost their jobs, which truly highlighted the difficulties faced by the Chinese people. This post quickly went viral. The post stated that she had been unemployed since January and had been taking care of the baby at home full time. Her younger brother, who worked in construction, lost his job in October. Her father-in-law, who was an architectural designer, lost his job in November. Her sister, who was a financial director, also lost her job in November because her company went bankrupt. Her brother-in-law, a programmer, lost his job in December. So many people in the family have no income, and the only ones who do are her parents, who receive a pension of 100 yuan a month. It's almost the new year, and everyone is sitting at home with wide open eyes. The title of this post is How can a family not go crazy living on 100 yuan, just holding on? Netizens said, The Great Depression is coming. Some also commented, Her parents are not Beijing residents. Otherwise, the pension cannot be only 100 yuan a month, which is the lowest standard pension in the country. Her parents may be from the countryside. If they were Beijing residents, the treatment would be much better than that of rural people. The CCP has always regarded farmers as second-class citizens. Some netizens also remarked, You can just rob the government and the banks, and everyone will support it. Currently, large and small companies in Beijing are laying off employees and cutting salaries. Many people are doing the work of two or three people while receiving only one salary. They want to resign, but are afraid of not finding a new job, so they grit their teeth and stick to it. Friends, I haven't found a suitable job in Beijing for two or three months. In the current environment in Beijing, wages are being cut in half. The Chinese New Year is coming soon. I called my father yesterday, and he said that I should go home early to rest for the new year. I feel that I finally got a job and finally made money to support myself. But after working for less than two years, I realized that my parents still have to worry about us. I feel very uncomfortable. Netizen Xiaowu said that the Human Resources Department just informed him that the company had adjusted its organizational structure, and his position was removed, which means he is unemployed. He was surprised to hear the news because he had worked until 11 o'clock the night before, but was informed of the layoff when he arrived at work today. The woman said that her 45-year-old husband used to work in the R&D department of a car company. After being laid off, he has now become a driving instructor. When my father-in-law could get his salary back every month, I had no worries and thought it was okay. But this year, I am more anxious. We have mortgages and car loans for our two houses. My husband's salary was fully able to cover them, and our lives were fine. However, starting from January 10th this year, he has had no income. He used his compensation money to pay the mortgage this year, but the compensation money has been used up. This year's living expenses are actually spent on expenses we can't afford, and there aren't many alternatives. We are registered residents in Beijing, and I am particularly worried now that my children will not be able to complete high school in Beijing. If we go back to our hometown, our daughter will be considered a student on loan. In fact, we will face the problem of not securing a loan, so we must ensure our studies are completed here in Beijing. When we first met, I asked my husband, now that you are financially free, what do you want to do most? He said he most wanted to drive a taxi. I don't think I should talk nonsense, but now it's really true. He is now working as a driving instructor. I think he likes to drive, and he knows a lot about cars because he has been doing this job since graduating from college. He is very suited to being a driving instructor. A Beijing netizen posted a video angrily criticizing Monkey. She said that she had worked hard enough. She would leave the house at 7 a.m. and return to the old and small rental house that cost 3,000 yuan at 11 p.m. Netizens left comments saying that it's not that people at the bottom don't work hard, but their background has already determined their life path. Let's take a look at this video posted by a Beijing netizen. I am a computer science major at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing. Over the past two years, none of my three jobs have lasted long, either due to layoffs from poor company performance or unpaid wages. Living in Beijing is a constant struggle. I grew up here, commuting four hours daily, standing on the subway and working on my computer during the ride. Despite leaving early, coming home late and working tirelessly, my salary after a year is still less than advertised. It is difficult to find a job in Beijing, and it's the same in Shanghai. This 30-year-old master's degree student was also laid off. I am 30 years old, graduated with a master's degree, and have been working in Shanghai for nearly six years. I was interviewed by HR two days ago and told that the company's performance was not good and the contract would not be renewed. The compensation given to me was N, as I was notified one month in advance. In fact, there was some news of layoffs as early as the end of September. Now that I received the notice of being laid off, it was not that surprising. When my father-in-law learned that I was laid off, he kept comforting me, saying that the employment environment in Shanghai has been really bad in the past two years. Companies large and small are laying off employees, and I am not the only one who has been laid off. Shanghai netizen Yaya's husband has been unemployed for two months, and now she is also facing layoffs. Can I still find a job in Shanghai? I took a day off today to send my son to school and to adjust my mood. My father has been unemployed for two months and has not found a job yet. After a wave of ups and downs, I may also lose my job. I heard that the company is going to lay off 40% of its employees, but I don't know if I will be laid off. Our monthly mortgage payment is 9,000 yuan, plus daily expenses and rent in Shanghai, which adds up to almost 14,000 yuan a month. The pressure of life really overwhelms us. This woman studied in the United States and couldn't find a job after returning to China. Hello, everyone. I returned to China in 2021. I studied product design before, but after graduation, I worked at a U.S. packaging design company for a year before returning to China. At that time, it was difficult to get air tickets because of the epidemic, and the tickets cost hundreds of thousands. That job just saved me, allowing me to stay there for another year. But after returning to China in 2021, I have been trying to find a job. Every time I went for an interview, the companies either accepted my work but didn't respond or thought I didn't have enough experience. So I went around and around and couldn't find a job. In recent months, China's layoffs have become more severe, but the data released by the CCP showed that the unemployment rate fell in November. Which aroused widespread doubts. A blogger in Shanghai revealed that this is because unemployment also has requirements. First, you must have an urban hukou. Rural hukou holders who have land to farm are not considered unemployed. Second, you must have had a job before and paid social security for more than one year. So college graduates who don't have a job are not considered unemployed because you have never been employed. So how can you be considered unemployed? Third, resignation is not considered unemployed. You must be fired by the company and have received a dismissal certificate issued by the company. Fourth, you must have worked for more than three consecutive months. If you are a part-time worker, you are not considered unemployed even if you don't have a job now because you are in flexible employment.