A job fair is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on May 10, 2026, with over 7,500 job vacancies on offer from 280 employers. The event is part of a larger recruitment initiative launched by Hunan province in 2025 to attract young professionals and graduates both from within Hunan and nationwide. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Hunan province launched a major recruitment drive in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province, on May 10, offering over 7,500 job openings from 280 employers at a career fair to attract young talent from Zhejiang and the Yangtze River Delta region.

The positions range from a diverse selection of organizations, including universities, hospitals, research institutes, State-owned enterprises and leading private companies, according to Li Yongjun, director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security.

"Nearly 3,000 vacancies target doctoral and master's graduates, with technical positions accounting for over 70 percent," he said.

The average monthly salaries stand at 26,600 yuan ($3,914.09) for PhD holders, 14,300 yuan for master's graduates, and 13,900 yuan for those with a bachelor's degree.

"Hunan is an ideal place for aspiring entrepreneurs as it embraces failure and encourages young people to take risks," said Liu Yehuan, a Zhejiang native who founded an online printing company after graduating from Hunan University.

A job fair is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on May 10, 2026, with over 7,500 job vacancies on offer from 280 employers. The event is part of a larger recruitment initiative launched by Hunan province in 2025 to attract young professionals and graduates both from within Hunan and nationwide. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

His company, now one of the largest of its kind, received a five-million-yuan government-backed loan amid financial struggles a few years ago.

"Policy support means the most when it throws you a lifeline in difficult times," Liu added.

The latest policy package to attract new talent to Hunan offers free temporary accommodation up to 14 days, low-rent transitional housing and subsidized home purchases. Eligible graduates relocating to Changsha may receive a one-time subsidy of up to 30,000 yuan. In addition, the province has also established a 505-million-yuan investment fund for university student entrepreneurs.

Hunan native Li Qian, a master's student at Zhejiang University of Technology, secured a job contract with a local company at the job fair.

"I've always wanted to go back and help build my hometown," she said.

A job fair is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on May 10, 2026, with over 7,500 job vacancies on offer from 280 employers. The event is part of a larger recruitment initiative launched by Hunan province in 2025 to attract young professionals and graduates both from within Hunan and nationwide. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The recruitment policies are generous, and the lifestyle and housing in Hunan are very affordable," she added. "The food and nightlife in Hunan are also fantastic — I've already told my roommate to apply for a job and come with me."

The Hangzhou event is part of a larger recruitment initiative launched by Hunan province in 2025 to attract young professionals and graduates both from within Hunan and nationwide. Apart from Hangzhou, job fairs will also be held in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, among other major higher education hubs.