Young Chinese opt out of the rat race and pressures at home to pursue global nomad lifestyle
A growing number of young Chinese are moving overseas to escape their homeland's ultra-competitive work culture, limited opportunities and family pressures BANGKOK -- Shortly after China opened its borders with the end of “zero-COVID,” Zhang Chuannan lost her job as an accountant at a cosmetic firm in Shanghai and decided to explore the world. “The cosmetics Business was bleak,” said Zhang, 34, who explained everyone wore face masks during the pandemic. After being laid off, she paid $1,400 for an online Thai course, got an Education visa and moved to the scenic northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. Zhang is among a growing number of young Chinese moving overseas not necessarily because of ideological reasons but to escape the country’s ultra-competitive work culture, family pressures and limited opportunities after living in the country under the strict pandemic policies for three years. Southeast Asia has become a popular destination given its proximity, relatively inexpensive cost...