China repurposes COVID quarantine centers into affordable apartments for workers
China is repurposing former COVID-19 quarantine centers into affordable housing units for young workers in an effort to revive the country's economy post-pandemic. These centers, known as fangcang, were originally used for medical triage and quarantine facilities. Now, they are being transformed into apartment units to bridge the housing affordability gap and support small businesses. The low rents make them attractive to tenants, although there are challenges such as poor noise insulation and remote locations. Despite these drawbacks, the initiative has seen hundreds of people move into these converted centers, making their housing dreams come true.