Part 6/9:

Even once-bustling establishments like the Mixie Mall in Duogou and Victory Plaza in Dalan are now shadows of their former selves, reflecting a disconcerting trend in retail viability. The stark contrast between past vibrancy and current desolation paints a bleak picture for the future.

The Role of Government and Structural Inefficiencies

The Chinese government's reliance on state-controlled economic strategies has further compounded these issues. With the proliferation of public servants outpacing service providers—one official cited a ratio of one government employee for every 5 citizens—the imbalance creates an economic inefficiency that stymies true wealth generation.