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‘Zero-cost’ lifestyle: China cash-strapped youth embrace thrifty living for mental relief

Marcus Chen
Marcus Chen
Marcus Chen
Managing Editor · St. Paul, MN

Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.

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Managing Editor · Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 2:00 AM · 1 min read
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‘Zero-cost’ lifestyle: China cash-strapped youth embrace thrifty living for mental relief — Shenzhen Business news

A growing number of young people in China are embracing a “zero-cost” lifestyle, seeking out free perks, complimentary gifts, and trial services. Across mainland social media, tens of thousands of posts share tips on scoring free samples at shopping malls or booking test drives with no intention of buying. One popular variation is mall-walking, in which budget-conscious shoppers stroll through air-conditioned malls while spending next to nothing. A classic routine might go like this: grab a...

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