留不住年轻人，算什么好城市？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "Youth-Friendly Cities" or "Z Cities," which are designed to attract and retain young talent by offering vibrant economies, diverse cultures, and affordable living costs [3][12][13]. Group 1: Characteristics of Z Cities - Z Cities embody a lifestyle that is energetic, culturally diverse, and conducive to the development of young people, ensuring that their enthusiasm and talents are not wasted [3][4]. - The essence of Z Cities is a blend of architecture, nature, poetry, and music, rejecting monotony and awakening the potential of life [4][5]. - The creation of Z Cities involves understanding the feelings of young people, making their happiness a priority, and ensuring tangible experiences that foster a sense of belonging [5][6]. Group 2: Competition for Young Talent - The number of university graduates in 2025 is projected to be 12.22 million, prompting cities to compete for these young talents through various policies [7]. - Cities like Xi'an, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Hangzhou have emerged as key players in the "talent war," implementing policies to attract young professionals [8][12]. - Recent policies in major cities like Beijing and Shenzhen include offering free short-term rentals to new graduates, reflecting a shift towards more attractive living conditions [9][10]. Group 3: Defining Youth-Friendly Cities - The concept of "Youth-Friendly Cities" has gained traction globally, with cities needing to cater to the preferences of young people to harness their potential [13][14]. - The characteristics of youthful cities include being connected, dynamic, open, curious, inventive, and playful, focusing on the core dimensions of living, working, and leisure [14]. - Various rankings and evaluations, such as the Youthful Cities Index and domestic assessments, highlight cities that excel in innovation, vitality, and quality of life, with Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai ranking highly [15]. Group 4: Young People's Preferences - Young people are increasingly seeking cities that meet both their material and spiritual needs, with a focus on affordability, convenience, and cultural vibrancy [20][21]. - A survey indicated that 82.10% of respondents are considering relocating to more livable cities, emphasizing the importance of housing prices, transportation, and healthcare [20][21]. - Cities that successfully address these dual needs, like Chengdu with its innovative use of urban spaces for community engagement, are more likely to attract and retain young residents [22][23][24].