Why some Chinese workers are 'lying flat'

Chinese people putting rest first - 21st March 2022

Young people in China, exhausted by a culture of hard work with little reward, are highlighting the need for a change in lifestyle by 'lying flat'.

The idea of lying flat, or 'tang ping' in Chinese, means taking a break from relentless work. 2021, during the pandemic, saw the birth of the tang ping movement, since many felt they were under pressure to work even harder and to outdo their co-workers. China has a diminishing labour market and young people often work longer hours.

The term tang ping is believed to have originated on a popular Chinese social media site. "Lying flat is my wise movement," a user wrote on the discussion forum Tieba. The message went viral. The concept of tang ping, which means allowing time to unwind and being content with achievable goals, has attracted praise.

Media analyst Kerry Allen believes that people "feel so apathetic now they're having to deal with the coronavirus and feel exhausted. They literally just want to lie down with a book, or sit and watch some TV, rather than keep the momentum going by working hard."

Consequently, as the Covid pandemic's gradually diminishing, the opposite's the case for the tang ping movement. Social media's buzzing with posts showing people's reluctance to return to their pre-pandemic lives. Many are opting for a slower-paced life, even if this means relocating or accepting a lower salary.

Alibaba founder, billionaire entrepreneur Jack Ma, was criticised in 2019 for supporting China's '996' work culture, where people's daily grind stretches from 9am to 9pm, with only one day off in seven. China's labour ministry and top court ruled against these practices last year.

But for the majority, working 996 remains the only way to succeed professionally. It comes as no surprise that some young people are choosing to opt out completely.