Rents recover in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen; graduates should avoid overpaying

Rental market is recovering in major Chinese cities, but graduates should be cautious: only prime-location, well-connected, good-condition units are rising; ordinary listings still face price cuts. June 2026 data showed average rents across 50 cities turned positive month-on-month; Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen rose consecutively. Overall, first-half rents still slipped slightly, but declines narrowed, signaling core-city recovery first. Real-estate platforms and direct-rental apps help compare prices, but renters should verify listing age, payment terms, subletting options, and all fees before signing.