China's Northeast region where some old heavy industries were based has, for many years, been struggling to provide opportunities for its many talented graduates. Indeed some recognize the gloomy prospects of leaving the area from an early age, but the region has also been working hard on finding ways to entice them to stay.

For example, for Liu Chenyuan, a 32-year-old product manager of a local company named TripG, coming back to his hometown seems to be the right decision, having been in Beijing for the best part of six years: "The biggest reason is family. My parents are getting old. I need to take care of them. That’s what brought me home."

As a product manager who works for a local internet company in Changchun, Liu says his salary isn't as attractive as what it was in the capital.

But for Liu, he had to size up aspects of his life. "I see the big picture. Especially with the experience I accumulated over the years, helping a local company grow allows me to fully realize my own potential." says Liu.

Liu purchased a small apartment in Changchun last year. Eager to attract exciting talents like Liu, his company helped him pay for the deposit. Beihu Science Park in Changchun, where Liu works everyday, is now home to nearly 200 high-tech companies, which cover a range of industries from electronics to bio-medical science. Since its opening in 2014, the incubator has attracted hundreds of highly-educated young professionals, with experience of working in China's first-tier cities.

Yu Zhuan, General Manager of the science park told CGTN that most of the talents are attracted by the growing industries. “In addition, this area is equipped with housing, cafes and restaurants. Those who return from the big cities can buy or rent an apartment for a very low price."

There are huge opportunities in Jilin now. Last year, the Changchun New Area, where the science park belongs to, invested more than 100 million yuan (15 million US dollars) in talent recruitment. Those who work in key industries could receive up to 60,000 yuan (9,000 US dollars) in subsidies each year. And the local government is now hoping to attract even more talents, including those who studied abroad, to revitalize an area which was once the industrial hotbed of China's economy.