小县城的残酷、温情与新生

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the transformation of a small county in central China, highlighting the struggles of traditional industries and the emergence of new ones, reflecting broader trends in the Chinese economy [5][46]. Group 1: Traditional Industry Decline - The county has seen a significant decline in traditional retail, with a 37% closure rate of department stores nationwide in 2023 [12]. - The local fireworks industry has drastically reduced from 42 companies in 2018 to just 7 in 2024, resulting in thousands of job losses [14]. - A local breakfast shop that operated for 28 years closed due to changing consumer preferences and high delivery platform fees [13]. Group 2: Emergence of New Industries - New industries are slowly emerging, such as a "photovoltaic industry park" that has attracted 8 companies and created over 3,000 jobs, albeit with lower wages [16][17]. - Community group buying and instant retail have seen a 62% annual growth in market penetration in county areas [17]. - A former department store owner has successfully transitioned to community group buying, achieving over 8 million in revenue last year [17]. Group 3: Youth and Employment Trends - Young people are increasingly returning to their hometowns for work, with a net inflow of about 1,200 individuals in 2024, reversing a previous trend of outmigration [22]. - The local LED lighting factory, which relocated from Guangdong, has brought back a complete production line and over 80 skilled workers [24]. - The county has seen a fourfold increase in charging stations for electric vehicles, from 50 to 200 in three years [21]. Group 4: Education and Healthcare Disparities - The county's top high school dominates over 85% of the college admission slots, leading to a rise in "accompanying study" housing demand [34][35]. - The county hospital has advanced medical facilities, while rural health centers lag significantly behind, prompting the establishment of a "county-town medical community" to improve services [39]. Group 5: Real Estate Market Challenges - The real estate market is struggling, with new property prices less than half of their peak in 2021, and second-hand homes seeing little interest [40]. - The adjustment in the real estate sector is impacting local finances, with new industries like the lighting sector being seen as a potential economic savior [41].