Cities set their sights on best talent

Issued by the Beijing municipal government, the policies provide graduates with housing benefits and relaxed household registration, or hukou, procedures.

Announced by the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau on July 16, the policies seek to attract graduates with a master's in a "first-class discipline", or those with at least a bachelor's degree from one of seven Chinese universities that are in the top 200 globally.

Successful candidates can register their Beijing hukou, entitling them to social service and welfare benefits.

Wei Wei, 23, who is studying languages at Nanjing University in Jiangsu province, and is due to graduate in 2023, said: "It's great to get a Beijing hukou. As the nation's political and cultural center, the city can provide numerous opportunities and career platforms.

"The new policies will definitely have an effect on graduates' career plans, including myself," she said. "I will adjust my study and internship plans for the next two years to include Beijing as a choice for my future job location and will prepare myself for this."

Wei added that due to the new policies, more students from the seven universities will be attracted to the capital, which will add to the pressure in competing for jobs.

The policies extend the age limits for top graduates seeking work. Those employed for the first time within two years of graduation are covered this time. Graduates who are employed and hold a bachelor's degree should not be older than 26, those with a master's should not be older than 30, and the age limit for candidates with a doctorate is 35.