Leading up to China's Youth Day on May 4, the State Council Information Office published a white paper titled Youth of China in the New Era. The document presents the past decade's achievements in Chinese youth development as well as the mainstream image of China's Gen Z.

Physically, the Chinese youth are now taller and stronger than those in the same age group 10 years ago. Within the age range of 20-24, for example, men are 1.6 cm taller on average than those of the same age a decade ago; women have grown 1.5 cm taller. The same group has also gained a little weight, on average 4 to 5 kg for men and 2 to 3 kg for women.

Chinese youngsters today are better educated than those 10 years ago. In 2021, the gross enrollment rate in higher education reached 57.8 percent, more than double that of a decade ago. Traditional schools, museums, cultural centers as well as online channels have become major ways for young people to access cultural education. The Internet penetration rate among young people aged 20-29 is now almost 100 percent, compared to 68 percent a decade ago. 

In the new era, Gen Z's "circle of friends" to communicate and cooperate with continues to grow. During the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, young Chinese athletes demonstrated their openness, inclusiveness and passion, sending messages of solidarity and cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, in the battle against the pandemic, many young professionals have fulfilled their duties on the frontlines. They have proven themselves qualified to shoulder the bigger responsibilities bestowed upon them.

The country's youth currently enjoy an enabling environment for development, a broad space to grow and wonderful opportunities to carve out a strong career path. But even though their life goals and career choices may differ from those of previous generations, only when they integrate their objectives with those of the nation, will they be able to enjoy more fulfilling lives.

(Print Edition Title: The Youngsters)