Young people in China cycle to forget unemployment in 2024

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Young people in China cycle to forget unemployment in 2024

Young people, after quitting her job at an automobile manufacturing company in Shanghai, 30-year-old Tang Yanpeng turned to cycling to temporarily forget the idle life brought on by unemployment.

She once cycled nearly 320 kilometers in a single day and participated in at least 10 competitions.

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A Way to Escape Uncertainty and Rediscover Life

Young people in China cycle to forget unemployment in 2024

Interest in cycling has exploded among young people in Shanghai, particularly those who are temporarily unemployed. Faced with an uncertain future, they cycle to explore and improve themselves.

According to a 2023 report by the cycling information platform MagicCycling, 69% of cyclists in China are aged 18-40, a significant increase compared to two years ago. The proportion of cyclists with over a year of experience grew nearly 6% in 2021 and nearly 12% in 2023.

This figure aligns with a clear shift in workers’ attitudes toward quitting their jobs. A survey of nearly 1,000 employees across China by the recruitment platform 51Job found that 87% believe leaving a high-pressure work environment can have a positive impact on future development, including taking time to reflect and learn.

Tang began cycling in August 2023 and quit her office job in the spring of this year. Since then, she has completed a 340 km round trip, lasting 11 hours, from Shanghai to Hangzhou and a 1,000 km relay race, lasting 24 hours, in Hainan province.

“Usually, when you walk, you can’t go too far, so you miss a lot of beautiful sights. I feel that cycling creates the perfect balance,” she said.

After the pressures of work, Tang found herself reconnecting with the world through cycling. She cycles 3-4 times a week, covering a total distance of about 300 km. In addition, she participates in many activities and competitions, meeting like-minded people. “My perspective has expanded. What seemed important before now feels trivial,” she said.

She added that she would now look for a job that would allow her enough time and energy to cycle. “When you reach a certain level, cycling becomes essential and integrates into my daily routine,” she said.

The Rising Cycling Culture Among Young Chinese

According to the China Cycling Association, the country has over 10 million cycling enthusiasts, more than 160,000 cycling clubs, and 30,000 bike shops. Media reports indicate that the number of clubs has increased especially rapidly in 2022 and 2023.

Jin Li, a 31-year-old engineer in Shanghai, founded a cycling club in June 2022. “After the pandemic, everyone was eager to meet and connect, so we built a community,” he said. His community has at least 100 new members signing up each month and currently has more than 1,500 members.

Every weekend, he organizes at least three group activities in the mornings and evenings. On weekends, the members explore areas outside of Shanghai.

Jin quit his job in June due to limited opportunities for advancement. For him, cycling is the best way to rediscover the world after the chaos of the global pandemic. “Watching the city wake up in the early morning, I understand it more deeply,” he said.

Young people in China cycle to forget unemployment in 2024

Although more and more people are interested in taking a break, young people in China still face prejudice regarding this. At the same time, financial pressure remains a significant factor. A survey by 51Job found that 49.3% of respondents needed at least 20,000 yuan in their bank account before considering quitting their job, while 30.7% needed a backup of 100,000 yuan.

Jin recalls feeling anxious when he left his first job a few years after graduating, but this time he felt more at ease. One reason for this is that Jin feels more positive and calm due to his passion for cycling. It has allowed him to expand his perspective.

Cycling has also taught him the importance of living in the present. When he reaches a new place, climbs to the top of a mountain, sits on the ground, feels the grass beneath his feet, strokes each leaf, and basks in the sunlight, he truly immerses himself in the moment. “These experiences inspire me to pursue cycling whenever I have time, no matter my age,” he said.

In June, 25-year-old Zhang Yi lost her job. During her free time, she joined a long-distance cycling club and cycled 100 km around Shanghai, a feat she once thought would be difficult to achieve. “I never realized how small this city is,” she said. Cycling 100 km with friends no longer seemed far to her. “The world feels smaller, while my strength has increased,” she said.

After being laid off, Zhang actively sought a new job but felt anxious about the interviews. As she focused more on cycling, she realized she could still enjoy a fulfilling and happy life without working. In the end, she stopped sending resumes and decided to take a break.

Cycling also opens up new career paths

“I think I should also seize the opportunity to pursue the things I’ve always wanted to do. Fortunately, my mother supports me,” she said. Zhang is currently living on unemployment benefits and support from her family.

In addition to personal development, cycling has also opened up new career paths for some people. Jin is planning to start a side business selling cycling products such as socks and energy bars. He makes branded socks and jerseys for his cycling club with the hope of building a stronger sense of community.

Zhang is applying to participate in Ironman events and cycling competitions because she wants to become a professional athlete. “Now, I feel like I’m enjoying life, even if it’s just a temporary escape,” she said.