CONSTANTLY increasing home rental prices in Shenzhen have made it difficult for many households to have comfortable dwellings, especially for families of migrant workers. Many have to live in “snail houses” — tiny apartments or rooms — to save costs.

    In a dormitory in Qingshuihe, Luohu District, several families live around an area of about 12 square meters, with each family nestled in a room of less than 10 square meters. The cell-like rooms are provided free of charge to security guards who are employed by a residential property management company.

    Despite the tight space, the rooms have almost every daily necessity, such as a refrigerator, bunk beds and television.(Anna Zhao)