Despite the scorching heat outside, Han Lina, a teacher at Wanjin Primary School in Saihan district of Hohhot enjoys the comforts of her cool, affordable rental housing.

Her home is in Dingxiang Apartment's Wanjin branch and Han, who stayed in Hohhot after graduating with a master's degree, benefits from a government subsidy that covers 50 percent of the rent.

"Paying only a few hundred yuan per month is a negligible burden for me," she says. Her cozy home is fully furnished and offers views over Xilin Park and the Xiaohei River. She says the affordable and high-quality housing was a significant factor in her decision to stay in the city.

All in all, Hohhot's commitment to developing affordable rental housing is a key strategy for attracting and retaining talent.

The local government has implemented various measures to support new residents and young folks. What's more, since August 2022 policies have been put in place to reduce rental costs for graduates and high-level talent – with discounts of 30-100 percent based on qualifications.

To date, the regional capital has provided 15,472 affordable flats, with nearly 8,000 young residents benefiting from the initiative.

Indeed, the city's efforts include strategically locating housing in areas with good transportation and amenities. Additionally, the establishment of the Qingcheng Housing Rental Platform has further streamlined the applications process, ensuring transparency and efficiency.