China’s 40cm room boom

For many renters, a room without windows would normally be a last resort, but in parts of China’s largest cities, it is becoming an increasingly common choice among young people trying to stay close to work and opportunity.

Known as micro rooms or youth apartments, these spaces are small, purpose-built units aimed mainly at students, fresh graduates and young professionals. Often tucked within larger residential developments, they are marketed as affordable city accommodation for those who may otherwise struggle to rent conventional housing in prime urban locations.