The Economist.
For decades China's best and brightest young graduates would flock to its first-tier cities,
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, also known as Bei Shang Guang Shen.
But in recent years, a large number of youths are looking beyond Bei Shang Guang Shen to cities like Chengdu, Xi'an, and Changsha.
They want more dynamism and a better quality of life.
The rise of second-tier cities reflects a new migratory flow in China
and the changing attitudes of young Chinese on what kind of lives they want to live.
I'm Alice Su, The Economist's senior China correspondent.
My co-host David is away this week, so I'm joined by Gabriel Crossley, our China correspondent based in Beijing.
This week, we're asking, what explains the rise of second-tier cities?
This is Drum Tower from The Economist.
Gabriel, hi. How are you doing? It's been ages since I last saw you.
Hey Alice, I'm good. What about you?
I'm currently in Los Angeles at the tail end of a marathon reporting trip.
I don't know how much I should mention but it's for a series that's going to come out on Drum Tower.
It's involved going to three different countries and it's full of surprises.
I'm excited to bring it on the show in the coming months.
That's great. From what little I know about it, I'm quite excited as well.
And how are things in Beijing? I'm guessing you're in the office?
In the office today. Beijing's fine. Just sheltering from the heat, you know, Beijing summers.