According to Beijing Evening News, an online survey found that 86 percent of college graduates would like to work in second-tier cities. Responding to the question of what would make them "flee" first-tier big cities, some 67 percent put the blame squarely on excessive living costs. Other factors included cut-throat competition in employment, high pressure in work and life, and hukou issues.

In another survey, targeting the happiness index of middle-income families, those living in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, displayed below average levels of happiness. Contributing factors included high housing prices, heavy workload, poor traffic situation, and less time with their families. Among those surveyed, about 67 percent believed they might be happier in smaller cities.

Amid rapidly increasing living costs, some people living in big cities have a growing desire to retreat to smaller cities. However, for many, it remains a dream - uncertainty makes it hard for them to take the first step. Furthermore, they feel like they have devoted their youth, passion and hard work to their city and don't want to lose time spent.