Part 8/10:
While local officials present a facade of growth and opportunity—such as recent visits from political leaders—the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens remain unaddressed. Citizens’ dissatisfaction is mirrored across many coastal cities in China as business closures proliferate in tandem with rising unemployment and stagnant wages.
Shaman's economic decline is reflective of broader national trends in China, where many cities are grappling with similar issues. The ongoing exodus of foreign investment, compounded by increased governmental regulations and political tensions, paints a bleak picture of the future.