Why China youth find special spots to cry away stress, like Forbidden City, courthouses

Young adults in China are designating special geographical spots to cry for stress relief. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/The Paper

A growing number of young Chinese adults in search of emotional release are taking things to a new geographical level.

They have turned to designated so-called city cry spots such as courthouses, psychiatric hospitals, and even tourist landmarks like the Forbidden City, to freely weep in public.

Young people in China are increasingly overwhelmed by work stress, rising unemployment, economic uncertainty, and a growing sense of urban fatigue, prompting many to seek emotional release.

Experienced “crying veterans” have begun sharing lesser-known but surprisingly effective places to cry.

The Forbidden City in Beijing is considered a good place to cry because of its “poetic” atmosphere. Photo: Shutterstock
The Forbidden City in Beijing is considered a good place to cry because of its “poetic” atmosphere. Photo: Shutterstock

Some recommend courthouse entrances and cemeteries, while others choose Peking University Sixth Hospital, a well-known psychiatric facility.