Recently, 15 departments including the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly issued the "Opinions on Deepening the Construction of Youth Development-Oriented Cities to Assist in Building Modern People-Centered Cities." The document outlines 18 measures aimed at clarifying the pathway for developing cities that prioritize youth development.

Cities serve as crucial spaces for young people to pursue better lives and realize social value, while youth represent a vital force for enhancing urban vitality and sustaining long-term growth. By the end of 2025, China's urbanization rate of permanent residents had reached 67.89%, marking a shift from expansion-focused development to quality-oriented improvement. The guidelines integrate the concept of youth adaptation and benefits into the entire process of urban planning, construction, and governance. Spatially, youth development will be incorporated into urban territorial planning. In terms of services, initiatives such as "youth-friendly small businesses" are encouraged within 15-minute living circles. This comprehensive approach, spanning macro-level planning to micro-level care, ensures young people can not only settle but also thrive securely, facilitating a profound transition in urban governance from management-oriented to service-oriented models.

Employment serves as the foundation of livelihood and a key avenue for youth growth and self-realization. The guidelines propose implementing an "AI Plus" initiative and cultivating new professions and positions, aligning with trends in technological revolution and industrial transformation. As the most dynamic innovators in cities, young people are being supported through concrete actions to create vibrant innovation ecosystems. In Hangzhou, the rapid growth of the digital economy has given rise to new roles such as e-commerce anchors and big data analysts, allowing young talents to leverage their strengths. In Shenzhen, programs like the "Dream Realization Plan" and "Eaglet Spreading Wings Plan" attract young people to settle and strive, injecting vitality into the city. The closer the alignment between urban industrial upgrades and youth employment needs, the greater the prospects for young people to build successful careers.

Youth development not only impacts personal growth but also influences family well-being and social continuity. High costs associated with marriage and childcare, coupled with insufficient childcare resources, have led many young people to delay starting families. The guidelines address these challenges with targeted measures: exploring integrated support policies covering housing, transportation, and consumption; enhancing after-school and holiday childcare services; and deepening ideological guidance and care for youth in emerging fields. These policies attend to both major life events and daily concerns, enabling young people to pursue their dreams with fewer burdens.

Local practices nationwide reflect growing momentum. Chengdu in Sichuan has pioneered a "public rental housing plus youth hostel" model, Yichang in Hubei offers night school courses in youth talent apartments, and Shanghai is advancing the development of childbirth-friendly hospitals. By listening to youth voices and addressing their needs with thoughtful, precise services, cities can unlock new opportunities for development.

Currently, 45 cities and 99 counties in China are piloting youth development-oriented urban initiatives, generating replicable experiences in areas such as education, livability, and employment. The issuance of the guidelines further enriches the conceptual framework of youth-friendly cities, promoting a shift from mutual engagement between cities and youth to mutual achievement. As young people flourish freely, cities will accumulate enduring, dynamic momentum for progress.