Beijing Officials Tout Economic Gains as Locals Report Empty Streets, Job Losses

A man walks into a shopping mall in Beijing on Dec. 10, 2024. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty ImagesBeijing officials insist the capital’s economy is steadily improving. However, residents describe a very different city—one marked by shuttered businesses, dwindling foot traffic, and deteriorating quality of life.On Jan. 21, city authorities said at a press conference that Beijing’s economy had “continued to recover and improve,” with residents enjoying rising levels of “gain, happiness, and security.”