The ¥30,000 House

Hegang, a city situated at the almost northeastern tip of China, lies approximately 2336 miles away from my hometown, Guangzhou. My introduction to this city was entirely accidental, occurring while I was casually browsing videos on Bilibili, a renowned video-sharing platform in China. The video that piqued my interest bore the intriguing title, “A Person from Guangdong Moves to Hegang, Where Houses Cost ¥30,000.” ¥30,000 is about $2500, and the notion of acquiring a house for such a modest sum was almost unimaginable in any city I had encountered in China.

The creator of the video passionately shared his journey, revealing that in Hegang, one could settle down and possess their own house, free from the looming burden of a mortgage, a stark contrast to the strenuous efforts required to own property in Guangzhou. He highlighted the plight of many individuals born in the 1990s, a generation that often finds itself grappling with unfulfilled aspirations, despite persistent hard work. As one interviewee poignantly expressed in Dawson’s work, no matter how diligently he toiled or how long he remained in his current job, it seemed unlikely to lead to the life he truly desired (Dawson, 2022). These individuals harbor apprehensions regarding marriage and housing, mirroring the concept of “waithood,” where youths find themselves trapped in a state of limbo, waiting for their desired life milestones to materialize.

Hegang has emerged as a refuge for the younger generation, offering an escape from the seemingly endless state of limbo that plagues their lives in bustling metropolises. In these urban centers, the dream of homeownership, marriage, and the establishment of families remains elusive, and social recognition as adults remains a distant goal. Some people quit their jobs and use their entire savings to buy a house in Hegang, echoing the sentiments of the interviewee in Dawson’s piece, “If I’m not going to get an opportunity to get a house from that job, what’s the point in me sticking to that job [if it’s] not going to help me get a secure roof over my head” (Dawson, 2022). They then embark on a journey to Hegang to start their new lives. In Hegang, their aspirations can be realized more readily.

In this city, the prospect of acquiring an affordable, cozy home beckons, providing an opportunity for personal expression through interior decoration. This is especially significant for those who have experienced the discomfort of residing in urban villages, where renting often means living in less-than-ideal conditions. In Hegang, the chance to create a living space that reflects their preferences and personality becomes a reality, offering a sense of control and comfort they might have longed for in their previous accommodations.

Intriguingly, in a documentary featuring Hegang, a young man born in the city expressed that he currently toils in Beijing, and the thought of returning to his hometown, Hegang, and settling down never crossed his mind. Hegang, akin to a besieged fortress: those beyond its borders yearn for entry, while those within dream of breaking free.

What precisely do the young souls seek amidst Hegang’s enigmatic allure? Is it a sense of belonging, a yearning for the recognition of society, or perhaps the cherished stability that comes with owning a house, a place to anchor their restless hearts?