AT around 7 a.m., a young woman surnamed Dong sends her 7-year-old daughter to a primary school about three minutes’ walk from their home. They live in Baiquange, a government-subsidized rental housing compound in Futian District.

At around 9 a.m., another resident of the building, a man surnamed Xian, gets dressed and brisk walks toward the Metro entrance across the community. His workplace is only three stations away.

These are some real-life scenarios of new Shenzhen citizens – where an increasing number has been attracted by a good living environment, convenient transportation and complete supporting facilities – to live and pursue their dreams in the city, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported Thursday.

Baiquange, located in Futian’s core area, is only a road away from a Metro entrance. In addition to new buildings, the residential compound also has many shops surrounding it, as well as complete supporting resources such as commerce, education, health care and parks.

Baiquange is a rental housing project invested, constructed, and operated by Shenzhen Talents Housing Group. The project has a total of 594 housing units, which are allocated to key enterprises and educational and medical institutions in Futian, according to Zhang Fang, deputy general manager of the group.

“For our family, the biggest advantage of living here is that it is very convenient for our children to go to school,” Dong was quoted as saying.

According to Dong, she and her husband used to rent an apartment in Shenzhen. Last year, they successfully applied for a government-subsidized rental apartment that has two bedrooms and one living room.

“Working hard in Shenzhen to have such a livable residence and a warm home has greatly enhanced my family’s sense of happiness,” Dong said.

Likewise, Xian moved into the government-subsidized rental apartment only a few months after he submitted an application. What surprised him even more is that the rent is 40% off the rent of the same type of apartment in the housing market.

“Shenzhen’s housing security policy is very good, especially for young people,” Xian said, adding that he has more energy to invest in his career now that he has a stable living place.

The housing issues of new citizens and young people, who are important contributors to the city’s urban development, are of great public concern.

To better meet the needs of these people, Shenzhen has further ramped up efforts in the construction of government-subsidized housing for its 14th Five-Year Plan goals (2021-2025).

The construction and acquisition of government-subsidized rental housing have been adjusted from the original target of 400,000 units to no less than 600,000 units, as per the plan.  (Zhang Yu)