China unveils ‘youth-development oriented’ cities plan to combat demographic decline

China has unveiled an innovative strategy to integrate youth development into urban planning, housing, healthcare, education and public services. 

The primary goal of the release is to make urban life environments more supportive for young people, children and families.

This new blueprint jointly issued by 15 departments and released on Wednesday, aims to expand the construction of “youth-development oriented cities”. 

The move follows Beijing’s March announcement to establish a “childbirth friendly society” between 2026 and 2030.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to reverse China’s significant demographic decline after data revealed that births fell to 7.92 million in 2025-a record low. 

Following a fourth consecutive year of decline, China’s population shrank by 3.39 million last year.

To combat this, the new strategy incorporates measures such as improved matchmaking and social services, expanded childcare subsidies and wider coverage of mother and baby rooms in public spaces. 

Additionally, it aims to upgrade maternity and pediatric care while ensuring equal school access for the children of migrant workers.

Expanding employment and career growth

It focuses on creating high-quality jobs in emerging sectors like the low-altitude economy, intelligent robots and biomedicine. 

The initiative will provide support for young founders through subsidized workspaces and better access to startup capital within youth-friendly urban zones. 

Additionally, it aims to provide access to services and education for the children of migrant workers removing barriers that previously kept workers from settling permanently in cities.

Strengthening social and community services

Interestingly, the blueprint includes provisions for government-supported matchmaking and social services to help young people expand their social circles and find partners. 

Furthermore, it seeks to increase the availability of psychological counseling and mental health resources, specifically tailored for the high-pressure environments of major cities.

“By 2030, the concept of youth-development-oriented ​cities will be ​widely established,” ⁠the policy said, adding that by 2035 China aims to have formed a "relatively mature and complete ​system for youth development.”

China is playing a pivotal role in urban transformation, having issued a blueprint for high-quality urban development last year to make cities livable by 2035. 

This initiative aligns with authorities’ shift toward prioritizing quality of life and sustainable development over mere rapid growth.