As China’s annual “two sessions” gathering of political elite and lawmakers came to an end on March 11, 2024, the government faced an uphill battle to stimulate the economy. One place to see the impact of the economic challenges is on the outskirts of the capital Beijing, in the Majuqiao neighbourhood where working-class people gather hoping to find short-term jobs. Li Hua, 39, used to be among the early-morning crowd looking for odd jobs and living in an SUV to make ends meet. But unlike most of his peers, Li managed to escape the rat race after finding a role as an online influencer. Now set up in a friend’s flat that doubles as his office space, he is earning enough to enjoy a better living.
