Zou Xin, a resident of a public rental housing community in Chongqing’s Shapingba District, picks up orders for his delivery job. (Photo/Chongqing Public Rental Housing Administration)
Chongqing - Chongqing’s public rental housing program has supported more than 1.4 million people by offering stable homes and employment assistance. In a Shapingba community, 35-year-old deaf resident Zou Xin is one of its beneficiaries, riding his electric bike through the streets each day to work as a delivery rider—a job he secured through this support.
Previously, due to his hearing impairment, he faced repeated setbacks in finding a job. His wife, also hearing-impaired, suffers from chronic illness. Zou's father had to shoulder the family’s burdens, and the three of them lived in a cramped rental apartment under challenging conditions.
In 2017, with the help of the housing policy, the Zous moved into the community. The spacious house and well-equipped facilities helped them escape a life of instability. The community staff also helped him participate in special training for disabled delivery riders. He acquired skills and secured stable employment.
Now, Zou Xin completes over 60 deliveries a day, with a steady income of around 200 yuan. “Although I can’t hear, I can now support my family with my own hands,” Zou Xin communicated through sign language.
Zou’s story is a microcosm of the impact of Chongqing’s public rental housing program. Not only does it address housing challenges, but it also connects enterprises and communities to build employment support platforms. In just 21 municipal districts, over 10,000 people, including people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups, have been supported.
In early winter, another community of public rental houses in Liangjiang New Area is lively, with a newly constructed basketball court buzzing with activity. On the nearby fitness equipment, elderly residents enjoy their leisurely exercise. The community has renovated sports facilities and children’s play areas, adding 72 sets of fitness equipment to meet the residents' needs for physical exercise.
This year, Chongqing’s public rental housing program has launched over 40 improvement projects. Chongqing upgraded 14,000 square meters of sports and playground facilities. These amenities allow residents to fulfill their needs for exercise and entertainment within their community.
For young people wanting to stay in Chongqing, the city has launched a public rental housing program for new university graduates since August 2025. Graduates within two years of completing their studies or this year’s graduates, who do not own property in the central urban areas of Chongqing, can apply for the house. First-time applicants also enjoy a rent-free month. Three months after the policy was implemented, over 2,500 graduate families have moved into Chongqing public rental housing.
Additionally, the community of public rental housing also organizes practical skills training and various recreational activities to enhance young residents' sense of belonging. “This is an opportunity to grow and find a direction for my future,” said Xiao Zheng, a recent graduate.