"I don't have a girlfriend; neither do I have a lot of friends here. Sometimes I feel lonely." – Zhang Qiming

Zhang Qiming, 26, came to Beijing in June and is taking a photography course. He lives in a 12-bed apartment room in Chaoyang district and the monthly rent is 700 yuan ($100). Zhang said he came to Beijing because it is at the forefront of the photography industry. Zhang said his parents supported his decision to study in Beijing, but do not support him seeking long-term development in the city. [Photo/IC]