White-collar exodus
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She has even consulted a palm reader, looking for signs that she should leave the city.
Apart from the push, there is also the pull of developing second- and third-tiers cities.
"On the one hand, high land prices are forcing private and foreign enterprises to relocate to small and medium-sized cities," CASS researcher Zhang says.
"On the other, the Chinese government's emphasis on balanced regional development is paying off, as more resources are allocated to these cities."
A recent report from Sichuan Economic Daily said 139 Fortune 500 companies had set up offices in Chengdu, and the number is mounting. IBM Corporation announced on March 23 the establishment of a new R&D center in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, together with its software analyzer lab and a regional software growth center.
In Changchun, a special development zone has also been set up with the aim of connecting with Russia, Japan, and North and South Korea.
"The flow of talent to these cities and their own development is forming a benign circle," Zhang says.
Chongqing, Chengdu and Hangzhou, and other second-tiers cities along the Yangtze River Delta are among the favorite destinations for white-collar workers from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, a report from 51job.com shows.
However, not everyone agrees that big cities are no longer a viable option.
Liu Tuo, who is from Changsha, capital of Hunan province, said he intends to stay in the city - for the long run.
"For one thing, I spent six years studying in Beijing. I have deep feelings for the city," the 27 year old says. "For another, most of my friends and contacts are here. It will be very hard to start anew in a new environment."
He added Beijing is more conducive to his career development: "Like it or not, Beijing still offers much, much more opportunities."
Without a Beijing hukou and without an apartment for the foreseeable future, he is not deterred. "You have to take a long-term perspective," he says.
While acknowledging that housing prices, competition and the hukou system are driving people away, experts say big cities are still a better choice for many.
"Everyone's case is different. Generally, it's more a process of natural selection," Zhang Ming, professor of politics with Beijing's Renmin University of China, says. "Those who can find better chances outside the big cities leave; those who can't, stay."
"It eventually boils down to your personal choice," says Zhou Xiaozheng, a sociologist also at Renmin University.
"Big cities like Beijing are full of uncertainties," he adds. "The important thing is the ability to cope with the risks. Beijing provides ample opportunities, but it could also force you to leave."
Falling out of love with the big city
Zhou Shisen went to work after finishing his undergraduate studies at Sichuan's Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in 2005.
He found a job at the Shenzhen branch of China UnionPay, a State-owned company, earning 5,000 yuan ($730) a month and had a Shenzhen hukou.
But after two years, he decided to leave Shenzhen and went to an insurance company in his hometown of Guiyang city, capital of Guizhou province. "I saw no hope," the 28 year old says.
"Little by little I found out that in a State-owned company, there was no chance for me to be promoted as I had no connections in Shenzhen at that time," he explains. "Also, the work was quite light and I saw no progress in my career development."
He said there is a saying among Shenzhen residents that "you will hate Shenzhen in the first year, understand it in the second, and love it in the third".
"But I broke up with the city before I could fall in love with her," he jokes.
His parents were against the decision to begin with because they thought his salary would be less in "an underdeveloped area" like Guiyang. But he persuaded them.
"This is the place where I grew up and the place where I feel familiar, " he says. "I felt lonely, even empty in Shenzhen. Here I have many good friends."
The thought of starting his own business also played an important part in the decision.
"The costs would be much higher in Shenzhen," he says, "But it is much easier in Guiyang and I also have quite a few connections here."
He admits that his income has dropped, but even so he has managed to buy an apartment.
"I have no regrets," he says. "The thing is I am happy."
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