Beijing’s fast development attracts migrant workers looking for better in 2015

World Today

2014 was marked with numerous changes in China as the government intensified economic reforms to raise living standards. The basic objective was to improve people’s livelihoods, and individuals were also making their own efforts into getting ahead. CCTV News’ Han Bin reported this story in Beijing.

Dreams brought 22-year-old Zhu Minghui to Beijing five years ago. His goal is to earn as much money as he can.

“My parents are farmers. I don’t want to follow [in] their footsteps being poor. So, I came to Beijing,” he said. “I have tried many jobs before finding shoe repair, and I started to like this job. Though there’s not much income, life is getting much better than before.”

Zhu Minhui earns some 4,000 yuan a month (about $700), which is more than what he would earn working the rice paddies near his home. But not much is left after all the bills are paid. And this year, he became the proud father of a baby girl.

Though he does not think he can stay in Beijing for very long, he wants to make the most of his time here.

“My dream for the New Year is to bring my family members better living conditions, and I hope my daughter grows up happily,” he said.

While resolutions may differ, the purpose is the same. 23-year-old hairdresser Wang Yidan has her sights set on the top.

“Beijing is a big city. There are so many people competing for a living here. Even though I don’t have anything, like housing or money, I’m young, so I want to struggle for my dreams,” she said.

Wang dreams of marriage and having children in Beijing. But as a migrant worker, she said she never feels as though she belongs in Beijing. But the job keeps her busy and she’s determined to turn the pressure into motivation.

“My dream is to stay in the city forever. The overall conditions and environment are much better than in my hometown. There are more opportunities for me, and there are many more fashionable trends for me to follow. To me, this city is a dream that may never come true, but I’m still hoping to chase after it,” she said.

Much of Beijing’s prosperity is built on the work of the migrant workers. Their sacrifices and their efforts have created a different future for the city, and themselves.

Beijing’s fast development has attracted migrant workers from across the country, just like Zhu and Wang. They’re counting on the government’s new policies for a better life in 2015.