Millions flee Shanghai, what happened!! Before Sitong Bridge, people gathered together! Beijing is a stagnant pool, only one person is still struggling! Qiqi Baba TALK Episode 1020 20261104
This episode discusses the decline of workers in Shanghai, talent retention policies in fourth- and fifth-tier cities, and the current depression in the commercial districts of Shanghai's Huangpu District. The host points out that high living costs in major cities have led to a million people fleeing, while recalling vibrant moments of crowds in Beijing and Shanghai in the past like during the White Paper Movement, emphasizing the importance of striving for freedom.
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Hello everyone, welcome to Qiqi Baba, I am Qiqi.
Why are there fewer and fewer migrant workers in Shanghai? Especially after October this year, it feels like the population has dropped by a third! Today I finally learned a core reason. During this period, I traveled to several cities to understand the local situations. As it turns out, through information gathered from local departments and migrant workers themselves, many cities—especially fourth- and fifth-tier cities—are not letting people leave anymore. They want more people to stay locally, whether to start a business or to work. They just aren't letting people out. I don't know if you guys know this news. Am I right? Some places, to retain people and entrepreneurs, offer subsidies, right? Interest-free loans, say 50,000 or 100,000 yuan, with no interest for three to five years. Then, to retain talent and young people, they provide more job options. They even offer employment choices for older workers through places like talent service centers. Although the wages aren't high, looking at this whole series of actions, isn't it just about keeping people from leaving? After October, I personally felt it: we had agreed with many nannies to come to Shanghai, but in the end, they didn't come. In the past, even though fewer people came in November and December, there would still be people coming out one after another. This year, as well as last year, not only are people not coming out, but most are flowing back home. So what is the situation in Shanghai right now? Really, clients are looking for nannies in huge numbers. They used to be very picky, but now age limits are relaxed, and some have even raised wages, yet they still can't find anyone. It's totally normal not to find a suitable nanny for a week or two. It takes a really long time. And nursing homes are short of seven, eight, or even a dozen staff at a time. In December, I estimate there are plenty of places short of over twenty staff. Looking at this situation, my analysis is that first-tier cities, including Shanghai, will have even fewer people in the future. First, home regions or fourth- and fifth-tier cities are taking these measures. Second, people's mindset has changed; they no longer work frantically just to make money. They relax when they should and rest when they should. If local enterprises really take off and wages rise by another thousand-plus yuan, narrowing the gap with Shanghai or first-tier cities, it will be even harder and rarer for people to come out. Do you think my analysis is right? Is that how it is? But I still want to say, right now there are really very few migrant workers in Shanghai. Isn't this actually a great opportunity? Because there are fewer people, labor demand exists, requirements are lower, and wages might get higher as the New Year approaches, okay? Lastly, everyone in front of the screen, what do you think? If you see this video, share your thoughts and opinions, and leave a comment below.
Where I'm standing right now is Huijing Life Plaza at Luban Road Metro Station in Huangpu District. It's already very desolate here. Let me show you: this location is actually very good, right in the core area of the old Luwan in Huangpu District. This plaza is Huijing Life Plaza. Let's take a look: many shops opened here.
Opened and then closed. Closed.
Basically, up to this year, there have been no new merchants.
They simply can't survive.
Let us take a look; this place is extremely desolate. A Starbucks used to be right here, but it could not stay in business because foot traffic was far too low. Previously, the Lianjia signing center was on the third floor here, but later it moved to Xintiandi. This area is so desolate, and the vibe is bad. Also, over there in front, there was a beef restaurant that has closed down as well. Along both sides of this street, some BBQ places have closed down too. There is hardly any foot traffic here; I estimate it is mainly because the economy is not good. Right now, the majority of ordinary people's income goes toward rent and mortgages, leaving no extra money. Even some tutoring centers around here have shut down and simply cannot stay open. Let us look below here. It is also very desolate; this whole section simply cannot stay open. The location is considered decent; no matter what, it is in Huangpu District, a prime location. Let us see if some wealthy boss can revitalize this place; basically, everything is empty. A bunch of so-called economists and big influencers online chatter every day about housing prices going up two to three times. I think we still need to look at it objectively and rationally, because the economy right now has not truly recovered. It still needs some time. Furthermore, real estate has now entered the so-called iPhone era, meaning new products have far better utility than older ones. Especially the sunken club combined with pan-club dual-clubhouse design. Let us continue to look toward both sides over there. Therefore, the rise and fall of housing prices ultimately reflect the economy. If the economy is not good, it will still be difficult for housing prices right now. You see, these two sides used to be relatively bustling, but now there is no popularity. In this place, I think if the Huangpu District government agrees, a night market could be set up here. Setting up a night market might make things a bit better, right? You need that urban bustling life. Look, this middle section could be used for a night market, attracting some evening customers to come eat BBQ or something similar. This space is relatively large, including downstairs which we just saw. So if a night market is set up here, I think there is still a chance, because after all, the population of Huangpu District is quite large. That is, running a night market economy, then allowing street vending here to attract some unemployed youth—they can earn whatever they can, right? Therefore, leaving it idle is just a waste; too many places are empty. Alright, I will share up to here today. I am Lao Ni from Huangpu, welcome to follow me.
Over a million people fleeing Shanghai, I think they really had no other options left! In that kind of place, you truly run out of ways to survive. To put it in a very simple sentence that friends can understand the hardship within: your take-home monthly salary might only be four to five thousand, but to survive there, your minimum monthly living expenses are six to seven thousand. I ask you, under these circumstances, who can endure this? This is definitely unbearable! Beijing and Shanghai have now truly become stagnant pools of water. But this reminds me that in recent years, when were Beijing and Shanghai the most crowded and active? Perhaps it was during the White Paper Movement back then.
[Video clip] Freedom! We want freedom! Want!
[Video clip] We want freedom! We want freedom! We want freedom! Oh my god, how terrifying! How creepy! Oh my mom, what is wrong? Brother wants freedom.
[Video clip] No dictatorship, we want democracy.
[Video clip] No dictatorship, we want democracy; no autocracy, we want freedom. No autocracy, we want freedom.
[Video clip] We are the masters of this country; it is because of us that the People's Republic of China exists, simply because there are hundreds of millions of people.
[Video clip] Welcoming fatigue and exhaustion. I will not turn back no matter what. In front of Sitong Bridge, the people gathered together! Beijing has become a stagnant pool of water, with only one person still struggling! Qi Qi Ba Ba TALK Episode 1020, 20261104.
[Video clip] Turning what we have into what we lost. Your flashing eyes carry expectations, today's radiance is brilliant. Finally, welcoming the glorious years, holding onto freedom tightly amidst wind and rain. In fact, we can change the future, but who can actually do it? Keep it up!
[Video clip] Keep it up! Keep it up! China keep it up! Keep it up! Keep it up! Keep it up! Keep it up! No PCR tests, we want freedom. Shostakovich should not be played; Beethoven should be played instead. That works.
Back then in front of Sitong Bridge, everyone gathered together. With one person's rallying cry, many people stood up. We shared the same goal, fighting once for the freedom that rightfully belonged to us. When everyone took to the streets, did everyone notice that dictators and tyrants are far more insignificant than you imagine?