China's Economic Engine Stalls as Migrant Workers Struggle with Unemployment

Migrant workers propelled China's economic rise by moving from villages to cities for jobs. Now many are unemployed with few options.

Zhang, a 28-year-old welder, used to earn $50/day but this year can't find welding work. He now sells products online to barely get by.

Zhang pays $55/month rent for a tiny apartment and eats instant noodles twice a day to save money.

Zhang's family in his village grows a small amount of corn for $200/year. His grandparents still farm in their 70s.

Without work, Zhang may have to return to his poor village. He says, "I just want to earn some money to keep myself alive."