China | Chaguan

China’s cities compete for kids

Enlightened self-interest nudges rich places to woo rural families

Image: Chloe Cushman

AS A RULE, China’s central planners do not say much about love. But look closely at recent plans from some reform-minded provinces—notably schemes that try to address a shrinking population—and appeals to hearts as well as minds leap from the page.

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This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Competing for children”

From the December 16th 2023 edition

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