Chen came to earn a living in Beijing when he moved from Xiaogan city, in Central China's Hubei province, in 2007. Today, he rents a room in Chaoyang district, Beijing, and runs a one-floor hotel. Chen is also married, but is considered an "empty-nest" youth as his wife returned to their hometown in Hubei to look after their child.
"I am used to cooking dishes and having a sleep after having lunch, or walking in the park nearby when I don't sleep," he said.
"I think I will not feel lonely if I have a roommate to talk with, but, nowadays, I want to earn more money to buy a house in the county of my hometown. I want my children to study at a school in county, rather than at the village."
Song said she has worked as an English teacher in an English training institution, based in Beijing, for the past two years.
"Many people feel it's hard to live alone in Beijing, however, I feel it's ok," she said.
"I shop, climb mountains or do a thorough house cleaning session and watch TV in my leisure time; but, I certainly feel lonely when I return my rental room alone after having fun outside."
The 24-year-old added she missed her family when she looked at the brightly lit subway or buses from outside her window.
