Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area celebrated its first Talent Day on May 16, unveiling a series of measures to make the area even more welcoming to talented individuals.

The Lin-gang Talent Card has been upgraded, with the minimum application requirement relaxed to only one month of social insurance contributions in Lin-gang. A Youth Card has been introduced for university students coming to Lin-gang for internships, while a Platinum Card is now available for doctoral-level talent. Holders of a Gold Card and above are entitled to an annual consumption quota of at least 2,000 yuan ($294). This allows them to enjoy an 80 percent deduction on purchases at major shopping areas across Lin-gang.

Lin-gang upgrades its talent policy matrix to version 2.0. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

The monthly internship subsidies have also been increased, offering up to 1,000 yuan for junior college students, 2,000 yuan for undergraduates, 3,000 yuan for graduate students, and 5,000 yuan for doctoral students. Students from universities outside Lin-gang are eligible for a monthly commuting allowance of up to 1,000 yuan.

The Lin-gang Youth Hostel now offers free accommodation for up to two months, and the eligibility for talent apartments have been relaxed to cover all young professionals across the city. 

Local housing support has also been enhanced: eligible young talent can receive up to 5,000 yuan per month in rental subsidies, a one-time settlement allowance of 104,000 yuan, and housing purchase subsidies of up to 5 million yuan.