'Beijing has attractions my hometown can't provide'

Luo Rensheng recently relocated from Changping district in northwest Beijing to Mentougou, 30 km west of the downtown. The move has cut his daily commute from six hours to two.

Born in Qingdao, in the eastern province of Shandong, the 34-year-old book editor moved to Beijing in 2007 after graduating from college.

First, he rented an apartment near his workplace in Shijingshan district on the West Fifth Ring Road. It was a good time; he dated his girlfriend - now his wife - and was free from care and responsibilities.