Graduate surge fuels Lanzhou talent ambitions
A surge in graduate inflows is reshaping Lanzhou's talent landscape, with 76,700 new arrivals in 2025 pushing the city's total talent pool beyond 550,000 and marking a step up in its regional ambitions.
The capital of Gansu province is ranked among China's top 50 talent-friendly cities, reflecting growing momentum as stronger policy support and expanding industrial opportunities attract young professionals.
"We have deeply implemented the 'university graduate retention plan'. In 2024, we attracted and retained 59,400 graduates, and in 2025, the number reached 76,700," said Li Lingxiang, head of the city's human resources and social security bureau. "The number of graduates choosing to stay continues to rise."
Financial incentives have been a key driver.
Lanzhou has raised its annual talent development fund to 150 million yuan ($21.7 million), with total spending exceeding 300 million yuan over the past two years. A three-year program launched in 2024 aims to attract more than 200,000 university graduates.
In line with the policy, newly arrived doctoral graduates and master's graduates from "double first-class" universities are eligible for housing vouchers of up to 300,000 yuan and 100,000 yuan, respectively, easing the cost of settling in the city.
For many graduates, the benefits are immediate.
Chen Dong, a master's graduate from Lanzhou University, joined Lanzhou Jinchuan Technology Park Co in 2024 and now works on energy storage system integration.
"I submitted my application in December 2024, and it was approved within a month," he said. "When I bought my home, the subsidy was directly deducted from the down payment. It's real, tangible support."
Chen said the policy has enabled him to settle quickly. "Housing is a key issue at the beginning. Once that concern is addressed and you settle down, you can focus on your work and pursue opportunities such as applying for research or technology projects," he said.
Another beneficiary, Zhang Yong, who holds a doctorate from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, received a 300,000 yuan housing subsidy after joining Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co in 2024.
Officials said livability is becoming an increasingly important factor in attracting and retaining talent. "Lanzhou has made livable conditions a key entry point," said Cao Xu, deputy director of the city's housing and urban-rural development bureau.
The city has introduced a multitier housing support system, including talent apartments, youth hostels and subsidies. A total of 186 housing vouchers have been issued, with a combined value of 24.8 million yuan.
To strengthen its talent pool, the city has also launched the "Cuiying" talent program, which has nurtured 370 leading professionals, 246 key specialists and more than 2,500 young talents over the past two years.
These efforts are translating into tangible innovation outcomes. Thirteen companies have entered China's "Hidden Unicorn 500" list, while the number of provincial-level or above innovation teams has exceeded 2,000. Products developed by these teams have generated more than 2 billion yuan in revenue.
"Going forward, Lanzhou will stay focused on building a talent hub in Northwest China," Li said."We will continue to improve policies and services to create a more competitive environment for talent development."
Contact the writers at huyumeng@chinadaily.com.cn
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