Under the prefecture-level city of Taizhou in East China's Jiangsu province, the county-level city of Taixing is prioritizing luring young talent as a way to boost its economic progress.

In July, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session in Beijing, issuing a communique calling for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization and promising that policies on talent will become more proactive, open and effective.

To answer the nation's call, Taixing has been steadily increasing the supply of affordable rental housing to effectively address the housing needs of young professionals and "new citizens" in the city, in a bid to support the high-quality development of its real economy.

With a total population of 1.13 million, Taizhou netted in a regional GDP of 105.36 billion yuan ($14.8 billion) in the first three quarters of this year, up 4.1 percent year-on-year, laying a solid foundation for its further development.

Zhang Lihua, who recently moved to Taixing for work, has officially settled in at the newly refurbished Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Youth Apartments.

Designed with simplicity and brightness, these apartments feature fully equipped facilities such as water, electricity, furniture, air conditioning and private bathrooms, allowing for an all-in-one living experience.

Constructed in 2012, the Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Youth Apartments consist of 1,308 units and can accommodate some 3,000 residents. At the beginning of this year, the exterior and interior walls were repainted, while outdated air conditioners, security doors, furniture, and curtains were replaced, in addition to the renovation of the basketball court, and the construction of new auxiliary facilities such as electric vehicle charging stations.

The improvements have not only enhanced the living conditions for its residents, but also played a key role in attracting and retaining talent while driving corporate growth, Zhang said.

In recent years, Taixing has maximized the role of government guidance and policy support in expanding affordable rental housing. Through on-site investigations, interviews, and discussions, the city has encouraged various industrial parks, enterprises, and institutions to develop affordable rental housing by revitalizing, renovating, or constructing new facilities.

To date, 10 affordable rental housing projects have been completed, including the High-Tech Zone Neighborhood Center, Economic Development Zone Talent Apartments, Jichuan Pharmaceutical Youth Apartments, and Yangzi Xinfu Youth Apartments, offering a total of 4,471 units to attract the talent.