Beijing's population hit 21.858 million in 2023

By the end of 2023, Beijing's resident population was 21.858 million, marking an increase of 15,000 compared to the previous year and reflecting population stability. Meanwhile, Beijing's urbanization rate recorded at 87.8 percent, significantly higher than the national average, according to a blue book of population in Beijing.

In terms of population structure, the Beijing Population Development Research Report (2024), which was released in Beijing on Saturday, highlights that Beijing continues to experience a "window of demographic opportunity," providing a critical strategic opportunity for accelerating the transformation of old and new growth drivers.

In 2023, the elderly population aged 60 and above in Beijing reached 4.948 million, accounting for 22.6 percent of the resident population, with a significant increase compared to 2022. The proportion of children, however, decreased to 12 percent. Although the total dependency ratio has risen yearly, increasing from 20.9 percent in 2010 to 38.7 percent in 2023.

The blue book highlights that Beijing's population-driven economic vitality has steadily improved, and now ranks first nationwide. The proportion of the resident population in central urban areas continues to decline, while the proportion in new urban development zones has increased.

Meanwhile, significant progress has been achieved in green development. The concentration of pollutants such as PM 2.5 continues to decline, and per capita park green space has significantly increased.

Addressing the opportunities and challenges in Beijing's population development, the blue book proposes several policy recommendations.

The focus of the recommendations centers on fostering a birth-friendly society. It suggests establishing dedicated fiscal funds to support fertility, enhancing legal frameworks and policy designs, strengthening the government's leading role, and providing support for the implementation of fertility policies. It also recommends increasing the supply of universal childcare services and promoting integrated childcare and preschool education.

To tackle challenges related to an aging population, it recommends establishing a comprehensive health system covering medical care, elderly care, rehabilitation, and nursing services, utilizing Beijing's advanced medical resources, and coordinating the development of senior human resources and employment planning.

In advancing the construction of high-level talent hubs and further enhancing talent creativity, the report advises exploring long-term mechanisms to stabilize the labor supply, continuously innovating policies for youth employment, housing, psychological care, and career development, optimizing the environment for youth growth and success, and enhancing the cohesion of various talent groups.

The report also urges Beijing to further enhance population monitoring and early warning mechanisms, improving the population management and service system, with a focus on optimizing resource allocation in housing, medical care, education, and other fields.