The oppressive ‘9-9-6’ work culture has seen some young people in China choose to ‘lie flat’ to avoid burning out. For others, however, a ‘45-degree life’ is more appealing – a pragmatic middle ground that revolves around the pursuit of personal and professional balance.

Struggling to deal with many of the pressures and quickening pace of modern city life, young Chinese urbanites are taking comfort in gardening projects. From growing vegetables to creating balcony gardens, they're looking for ways to integrate green-fingered leisure into their lives.

In order to offset burnout, young Chinese urbanites are turning to ‘punk health’ – a trend that sees traditional medicine used as a ‘quick fix’ for exhaustion. With many struggling to strike a healthy work-life balance, what does this approach to wellness tell us about the future of self-care in China?

Why are Gen Zers lying down instead of going to work? What’s making older adults feel disenfranchised? And why are Gen Yers seeking out green relief in their everyday lives? Our China Cultural Snapshot explores the key behaviours shaping the nation in 2022.