Ulanqab, a Remote Chinese City, Becomes an AI Boomtown and a Magnet for Young Workers

Ulanqab, a once little-known city in Inner Mongolia, has become an emerging AI computing hub as data centers spread across its grasslands, drawing young workers from across China. Kuaishou began operating its first self-built data center there in 2023, and DeepSeek advertised senior operations and maintenance roles paying up to 30,000 yuan ($4,200) a month this April. The labor market is now saturating, with employers raising hiring standards and some considering only bachelor's degree holders.