Faces of China: A look at 'Beijing outsiders' trying to survive

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‍Millions in China flock to the capital city in search of bigger dreams and better lives. Many however fail to complete the tedious permit process involved with relocating to Beijing, typically done through the hukou system. As a result, they face even more challenges.

Some of these "Beijing outsiders" share their stories with us and Angsa Cairenyongga is one of them. She has brought her big voice and big dreams to the big city of Beijing. She told us her decision to move to Beijing is not just about money, but more about opportunities. "My hometown is relatively small," she continues, "Here in Beijing, it's a bigger stage to achieve my goals."

Cairenyongga says she has faith in the future. /CGTN Photo by Kangkai

Moving to the capital from Qumalai county in Qinghai Province, Cairenyongga hopes to make her living as a professional recording artist. Her following on social media has put her on the map.

Live streaming brings income and opportunities to this rising star. /CGTN Photo by Kangkai

But in a metropolis 22 million people strong, many basic needs and services are only offered to locally registered Beijingers. This just adds to her struggle. She found apartment hunting is difficult for outsiders, as well as finding jobs.

These are also challenges for the Ge family faced for years. Ge Yifeng and Wang Zhenying moved to Beijing from Jilin Province in 2009. The couple said they weren't allowed to buy an apartment here until after five years of working in Beijing, because of a quota implemented in 2011.

For them the biggest pressure here is, of course, finding a place to live. Yifeng said they used to be frustrated as they knew people their age outside Beijing who found permanent places to live much faster.

The Ge family is now living in their apartment in downtown Beijing. /CGTN Photo by Kangkai

Those first five years in the city as husband and wife both worked overtime every day to make ends meet, getting very little sleep. In 2014, they were finally able to buy a home, eventually got better jobs, and this past May welcomed little Tongxi into the world.

They feel fortunate that their parents can help care for their daughter, thus avoiding daycare costs. Times may be better, but plenty of concerns remain. Now the Ge family is thinking about having a second child, but Yifeng told us it would depend on whether they can afford it or not.

Parents and child are the main concerns of the couple at present. /CGTN Photo by Kangkai

While the struggles faced by Cairenyongga and the Ge family are all too familiar in Beijing, they all remain hopeful for a bright future.

So far, Cairenyongga said she had not thought about living in Beijing permanently. Her initial plan was to participate in as many talent shows and contests here as possible, to gain public approval before she returns to her hometown.

As for the Ge family, they are benefiting from the work residence permit which offers their daughter education opportunities in Beijing. "I think we do have a lot of problems to solve, but I think we can work on that," Zhenying added.