Beijing (TDI): Beijing population reached 21.858 million by the end of 2023, reflecting a modest increase of 15,000 compared to the previous year, according to the Beijing Population Development Research Report (2024).
The urbanization rate stands at 87.8 percent, well above the national average, signaling stable demographic trends in the capital.
The report, released on Saturday, underscores Beijing’s “window of demographic opportunity,” seen as a pivotal phase for economic transformation and growth, Global Times reported.
However, challenges persist as the elderly population aged 60 and above surged to 4.948 million, comprising 22.6 percent of residents.
In contrast, the proportion of children fell to 12 percent, contributing to an annual rise in the dependency ratio, which climbed from 20.9 percent in 2010 to 38.7 percent in 2023.
Despite these shifts, Beijing’s population-driven economic dynamism remains robust, ranking highest nationwide.
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Notably, a redistribution of the population is underway, with a decline in central urban areas and growth in new development zones.
The report highlights Beijing’s progress in green development, with declining PM 2.5 pollutant levels and a significant rise in per capita park green space.
Policy Recommendations
Addressing demographic challenges, the report advocates fostering a birth-friendly society through fiscal incentives, improved childcare facilities, and integrated education systems.
To counter the aging population, it recommends building a comprehensive health system encompassing elderly care, rehabilitation, and employment planning.
For bolstering Beijing’s talent pool, the report emphasizes long-term mechanisms to stabilize the labor supply, youth-oriented employment policies, housing solutions, and enhanced career development opportunities.
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Additionally, it calls for stronger population monitoring systems to optimize resource allocation in housing, healthcare, and education sectors.
Beijing’s evolving demographic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, demanding proactive measures to ensure sustainable urban and economic growth.
