People are doing exercise in the Temple of Heaven on April 13, 2012 (Photo by Xu Xinlei)

A majority of people across the country still aspire to live and work in Beijing despite the various life challenges involved with living in the capital of China, a new survey has revealed.

The survey, conducted by the newspaper Beijing News, found that when they asked why people chose to stay in Beijing, 60 percent of the 101 participants said the city is a society that is relatively more open and fair, and has more modern educational and medical facilities, transportation and entertainment.

However, about 60 percent also said they are upset over unbearably steep housing prices, traffic congestion and air pollution, the paper said.

A government report revealed that by the end of 2013, about 21 million people live in Beijing, and 38 percent, or 8 million, are non-natives. Faced with growing pressure from rapid population growth, the local government has taken steps to redirect migrant workers, yet Beijing remains a top destination for young aspirants.

One man, surnamed Shui, 32, has been working in Beijing for seven years. He refused to work in Hubei province where his family and friends live, arguing that powerful guanxi, or having a strong social network is a must when looking for a decent job there, the paper quoted him as saying.

“Beijing has much more job opportunities. If I don’t feel happy working in a company, I can leave the company whenever I want, but in Hubei, I dare not to do so,” he said.

Life is not always a bed of roses for those adrift in the big city. Apart from unabated air pollution and traffic congestion, Beijing residents are forced to address the increasing home rental rates, which account for about one third of their monthly salary, the paper said.

But few people have left the city as a result and even fewer people regret working here, the paper said, and just as Shui said, “Living alone in Beijing is a challenge, and also a hard-to-get experience.”