两年减少超1000万人！幼儿园，关停潮加速了

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant decline in the number of children in kindergartens and primary schools in China, driven by a continuous decrease in the newborn population [2][4][7] - As of 2024, the number of children in kindergartens is reported at 35.84 million, a decrease of 5.09 million from the end of 2023, indicating a yearly reduction of over 5 million [5][8] - The number of primary school students in 2024 is reported at 105.84 million, which is 2.52 million fewer than in 2023, marking a continuation of the trend from the kindergarten level [9][10][14] Group 2 - The article discusses a wave of closures in kindergartens and primary schools, with the number of kindergartens decreasing from 28.92 million in 2022 to 25.33 million in 2024, a reduction of 2.11 million [17][18] - The number of primary schools has also been declining, with 136,300 schools reported in 2024, down by 7,200 from the previous year [22] - The closures are attributed to both the declining birth rate and the ongoing urbanization process, which has historically led to the merging and shutting down of rural schools [20][24] Group 3 - The article notes that the decline in the newborn population began in 2017, with a significant drop in births recorded in 2021, leading to a projected continued decrease in school-age children in the coming years [26][29] - The marriage rate has also hit a 45-year low, with only 6.11 million marriages registered in 2024, further indicating a downward trend in the birth rate [30][37] - The implications of these demographic changes are expected to extend beyond early education, affecting middle schools, high schools, and universities in the future [38][39] Group 4 - The article outlines the broader impacts of population decline, including increased pressure on the pension system, with the proportion of the population aged 60 and above rising to 22% in 2024 [46][47] - It highlights the urban-rural reshuffling, with rural populations decreasing significantly and many small towns facing potential disappearance due to declining numbers [56][61] - The education sector is also experiencing changes, with a surplus of teachers as the number of students declines, leading to potential reforms in hiring practices [66][70] Group 5 - The real estate market is under pressure due to declining population numbers, with over half of the cities in China experiencing population decreases, particularly in third and fourth-tier cities [75][76] - The article warns that the ongoing demographic trends will lead to a significant transformation in the housing market, with many cities facing a "Hegangization" effect, where property values drop significantly [78][80] - The overall demographic changes are framed as a complex societal issue that will influence various sectors, including economy, employment, and education [82][84]