Don't exaggerate second-tier cities' capabilities to attract graduates

ABOUT 8.2 MILLION COLLEGE STUDENTS will graduate in China this year, a record high. A survey of graduating students found that 60 percent want to work in second-tier cities, while 30 percent are hoping to work in first-tier cities, with the remaining 10 percent planning to work in third-and fourth-tier cities. Guangming Daily comments:

The results of the survey should be a soothing balm to the mayors of some second-tier cities, who have been racking their brains over ways to attract educated young people.

However, the survey, which also explains the reasons behind the young people's choices, should also shatter any sense of complacency, as it is not the opportunities, career development prospects or living environments of second-and third-tier cities that appeals to young people, but the comparatively lower housing prices in smaller cities.