In recent years and especially since last year, there have been youth-oriented spaces or “communities” in China expanding. Examples of such communities include 706青年空间 (706 Youth Space), DNA数字游民 (Digital Nomad Anji), DN余村, and Q Space. They are all expression of the growing trend of creating supportive, cooperative and innovative communities, and they take different forms and functions to achieve this purpose. Below is a more detailed look into these communities, why and how did they emerge, and why are they so important for and to the Chinese youth? If you haven’t yet heard of them, it is important and worthwhile to once be informed about them to properly understand modern situations of social life in China. If you learn Chinese, many aspects of it should be even more comprehensible to you. Such communities have also started to come about in England and Japan. Just what on earth are they?
Youth Spaces: They are actually that Important
Many Chinese students and young people have been meeting struggles in regards to finding jobs or seeking integration into the working market, some may too have encountered issues around housing, or feel insecure and lost about the direction and purpose to give to their life due to different struggles. Youth-oriented communities started to emerge in recent years as a form of alleviation to these problems – No, they were not initiated top-down, rather, such communities refer to a spontaneous and natural coming together of students and young people with similar problems, who then together moved into the direction of cooperation within work and living. If you should have been on school trips to China, you may have stumbled across one of them. Most often there were, for example, abandoned facilities, and receiving support from the local authorities, these facilities were transformed into living spaces for members of the community – to live together for very affordable prices. Such communities regularly hold events, which can be informal or formal, to either strengthen cohesion or enhance skills on an academic level, so as to as well offer career opportunities and integration back into society. No one sat down and decided on such initially – these communities are no organisations – they are an outcome of a long-time cooperation in many fields and now offer more a warm, familiar atmosphere for young people meeting difficulties, but also a more business-centred scope with more professional events to take part in. Functions and services within communities are quite diverse, super flexible and may mistakenly be perceived as vague, whereby the communities always make a point to clarify that “they are not a service-based organisation”!
1. 706青年空间 (706 Youth Space)
706 began in Beijing’s Wudaokou district as a cultural and creative hub for university students, professionals, and local creatives. It aimed to close social gaps through cross-cultural exchange, and fosters connection among people from diverse backgrounds. The initial drive behind its creation was to address the alienation young people often face post-graduation, offering a “home away from home” through shared experiences.
Social and Informal Activities
- Weekly cultural salons, bringing together scholars, students, and artists for talks and workshops.
- Living labs that encourage residents to collaborate on artistic and scientific projects.
- Activities like film screenings, community cooking, and hobby-based meetups for an informal warm environment.
Professional and Academic Side
- Workshops on topics like cultural studies, entrepreneurship, and social innovation, often in collaboration with top universities like Peking University and Tsinghua.
- Career networking events to connect members with opportunities in creative industries.
– Research initiatives on urban development and youth culture
2. DNA (Digital Nomad Anji) and DN余村
Understanding Digital Nomadism
Digital nomadism is about working remotely while living transiently, often in beautiful or inspiring locations. High-income work from urban areas is paired with low-cost rural living. DNA, in Anji, is China’s largest digital nomad community, connects this philosophy with rural development.
Social Dynamics
- Shared spaces: Cozy communal areas that encourage collaboration and interaction.
- Regular community dinners and group outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring nearby rural landscapes.
- A focus on inclusivity ensures people from all walks of life feel welcome.
Career Development and Professional Functions
- Collaborative co-working spaces designed for freelancers, writers, and digital professionals.
- Events featuring guest speakers from technology, design, and entrepreneurship.
- Programs supporting startups, with workshops on crowdfunding and marketing strategies.
Supportive Purpose
These communities address growing frustrations among Chinese youth, especially post-graduates, such as job scarcity, housing challenges in cities, and social isolation. DNA offers affordable living and networking opportunities, helping members find sustainable ways to thrive professionally and personally.
DN余村 Specifics
Located in Zhejiang’s scenic countryside, DN余村 combines the digital nomad lifestyle with rural revitalization. With government support, its services include:
- Affordable accommodation, with monthly rents starting at 300 yuan.
- Over 4000 square meters of co-working spaces.
– Social enterprises encouraging members to engage in local development.
3. Q Space
Q Space is an innovative digital community in Guali town, designed to integrate modern technology and rural life. It emerged as part of China’s “rural rejuvenation” initiative, aiming to narrow the gap between urban and rural life while offering young professionals a high-quality yet cost-effective lifestyle.
Features and Functions
- Advanced facilities: AI-driven labs, 24-hour digital libraries, and smart infrastructure.
- Community hubs: Places for creativity, such as rural cinemas and art studios.
- Integration of traditional rural values with modern convenience.
Professional Opportunities
- Platforms for startups and tech innovation, supported by local government initiatives.
- Public forums where experts discuss sustainability, AI applications, and rural revitalization.
- Networking events with a focus on building partnerships between rural communities and urban enterprises.
Why Are These Spaces Gaining Traction?
These communities address key challenges faced by Chinese youth, including:
- High urban housing costs and career stagnation.
- Post-graduation isolation, with fewer opportunities for meaningful connections.
- The desire for alternative lifestyles outside the rigid structures of traditional city life.
Future Outlooks
Chinese Youth spaces are redefining community living in China, making it possible for individuals to pursue creative as well as professional and personal growth in supportive environments. Communities aim to integrate members into the market and society. By providing warm social networks and professional opportunities, these communities are helping reshape the paths available to them.
