China repurposes idle schools into nursing homes amid demographic shifts

China is experiencing a significant demographic shift as declining birth rates lead to widespread school closures and an increasing elderly population. According to data from the Ministry of Education, the number of primary schools in China decreased by 8,000 in 2025 compared to 2024, with the total number of primary school students dropping by approximately 4.06 million.

As a result of these declining enrollments, many idle school buildings are being repurposed to serve the country's growing elderly population. In provinces such as Shaanxi and Fujian, former primary schools have been converted into nursing homes, elderly care centers, and community cafeterias for seniors. Other regions have repurposed vacant facilities into industrial plants or agricultural sites.

Simultaneously, China's aging population continues to rise rapidly. Data indicates that by the end of 2025, the population aged 60 and above reached approximately 323 million, accounting for 23% of the total population. This rapid transition toward a heavily aged society highlights the stark contrast between the shrinking youth population and the expanding needs of the elderly.