Optimism and resilience in China's northeast

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The northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang were once the crown jewels of China’s heavy industries. But as the nation adopted its “reform and opening policy”, new private companies outperformed state-owned enterprises established under a Soviet-style planned economy model. Some towns, such as those producing coal, also struggled after exhausting their natural resources. The changes left many factory workers and miners without previously stable jobs and forced to fend for themselves. The region is often called China’s “rust belt”, and some TV dramas set in the area feature scenes of mass unemployment and urban decay.

But the Smooth Sailing Beerhouse in the Liaoning provincial capital Shenyang is one bright spot. The establishment is proof that despite the economic desolation, local people cling to optimism and resilience.

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[tonysoviet]

Even China got their own rustbelt. Struggles do not discriminate, and I imagine the hard-working factory workers of Liaoning would have a great time sharing a beer with workers from Pittsburg.

[godzillamothra]

Cheap tavern like this is an oasis for people who battered by harsh life out there. Few people make it in their life, achieving their dream life. Some hate their life, while most of us tolerate our life. This tavern is an oasis for people who didn't make it. Not every one can turn their life around, and not every problem can be solved by going to shrink, sometime you can only seek solace through cheap beer and drown your sorrow. It is somewhat like a palliative care for those who don't make it in life.

[Chromebeetle_]

i greatly appreciated this video, which shows a very authentic and genuine side to the people of this region

[xoener]

Love this showing normal people doing what they can to make a living but also at the same time doing it because she wants to support others who are just trying to make it as well

[dojisatchivi]

very interesting, and I'm a fan of the journalism style which lets the people there do most of the talking for themselves, really cool

[jzeng]

This reminds me of a Japanese TV series called "Midnight Diner", and "Wanshun Beer House" also warms my heart!

[luislima]

So many Great memories from this city, studied there for 4 years. Don’t believe what social media tells you about China, it’s a great country and welcomed people.

[VREmirate]

Very cool mini-documentary. SMCP should do more of these.

[evengoal]

"There is only one heroism in the world: to see the world as it is and to love it." ——<The Life of Michelangelo>

[rares]

As a non-Chinese, having visited some areas of the Northeast and spent some time in the smaller cities, I was deeply attracted to these local spots. I feel places like this are the heart of the communities and you get to meet some genuine and heart warming people. Many Chinese are worried that foreigners will see such places selling "basic" and "cheap" food as backwards but it is rather the opposite. These places have so much more to them than any high tech skyscraper or business districts. Really hope to see these places get the attention and recognition they deserve, the heart and soul of Chinese neighbourhoods 🙏🙏

[ivannovotny]

Absolutely amazing video presentation.

[kristiankho]

Thank you SCMP for taking the effort to publish this piece. Very heartwarming

[ShengYu]

I miss Northeast 东北 very much. Everyone was so warm and genuine. I wish I got opportunities to go back more often. 辽阳 ❤️ 沈阳 ❤️

[havencat]

i come from a poorer european country and lived in France and UK many years, now im in China for the last 3 years. I can tell you in the west sadly theres many poor who cant find a place like this. in China theres a restaurant for poor and for rich, thats a big difference and makes the country great.

[vzs]

That's my hometown. My lovely people. I miss them.

[GeoLord]

Wow such an interesting and touching story! 🥺More videos like these please!

[ericzhang]

more of these types of documentaries please!

[joshzhang]

the SCMP is so great for videos like this on China.

[charlesskidd]

What a great documentary. This reminds me about all the things people in the NE provinces went through.

[NPJGlobal]

7:59 Nice touch how the lights turned off in sync with the music! Well done to whoever edited the video