Xiangyang city in Hubei province is set to hold a large recruitment activity on Sept 28, offering about 12,600 job opportunities, including more than 7,200 that are aimed at college graduates.

The authorities have also initiated policies to encourage graduates to start their own businesses.

About 500 domestic enterprises will take part in the recruitment activity, including Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Camel Group, China's largest domestic car battery manufacturer.

The vacancies cover areas such as manufacturing of automobiles and auto parts, precision equipment, as well as new technologies and new materials, modern agriculture, electronics and metallurgical smelting.

In addition, a so-called "pioneer park" is set to open soon, and it aims to assist 100 college graduates who are launching their own businesses.

The local government's supportive policies include providing startup subsidies worth a maximum of 100,000 yuan ($16,340) for the innovative projects with good market prospects, and graduates who rent office areas will also receive subsidies in the first three years.

Also, graduates who buy a house for the first time can qualify for housing public accumulation fund loans under certain conditions.

Graduates from families that receive the minimum living allowance are also eligible for various subsidies.

Edited by Niva Whyman