Inside China’s Daily Routines: Findings from the 2024 National Time Survey

On October 31, 2024, China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released data from its Third National Time Use Survey, providing an unprecedented look at how Chinese residents allocate their time across various daily activities. This comprehensive study, involving 107,000 participants across 31 provinces, sheds light on time distribution in work, leisure, household duties, and personal care among different demographics. Here’s a closer look at the findings and what they reveal about evolving lifestyles in China.

Expanding Scope and Inclusivity

The third iteration of the survey, conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2024, built on prior surveys from 2008 and 2018 but broadened its scope significantly. For the first time, children aged 6-14 were included, capturing insights into this younger demographic’s time spent in education and leisure. With the survey now covering all provinces, including the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the data offers a more representative snapshot of national time use patterns than ever before.

Participants meticulously recorded their daily activities in 15-minute intervals, covering both a weekday and a weekend day. Using a mix of digital methods—primarily through a smartphone app—NBS sought to streamline data collection, particularly for those studying or working away from home. This innovation improved accessibility, allowing participants to document activities easily, regardless of location.

Key Findings: How Do Chinese Residents Spend Their Time?

The survey categorized activities into six major fields, such as paid and unpaid labor, personal care, and free time. Across these, certain trends indicate broader changes in work-life balance, gender roles, and the integration of digital activities into everyday life.

1. Physiological Necessities: Personal Care and Sleep

• Unsurprisingly, sleep dominates the daily schedule, with an average of 9 hours and 46 minutes, indicating the importance of rest in residents’ lives. Personal hygiene and meal times add nearly 2 hours, with most participants reporting consistent daily routines.
• This area of activity is marked by high participation rates; nearly all participants, regardless of age or demographic, engaged in these activities every day.

2. Paid Labor: Differences Across Gender and Age

• The survey revealed that Chinese residents spend an average of 3 hours and 27 minutes daily on paid labor. However, among those who are employed, this figure jumps to an average of 6 hours and 23 minutes, showing significant engagement in the workforce.
• There is a marked gender gap in paid labor participation. Men engage in paid work for an average of 6 hours and 44 minutes, compared to women’s 5 hours and 55 minutes. Rural residents also displayed slightly higher work times than their urban counterparts, averaging around 6 hours and 22 minutes.

3. Unpaid Labor: Household Duties and Caregiving

• On average, residents spend 1 hour and 17 minutes daily on unpaid tasks, such as housework or caregiving, though this figure rises to nearly 2 hours for those directly involved in these activities.
• Women spend notably more time on unpaid labor, averaging 3 hours and 29 minutes compared to men’s 1 hour and 52 minutes. This division reflects ongoing gendered expectations around household duties, despite social progress in other areas.

4. Free Time and Leisure Activities

• Leisure time has become a substantial component of daily life, with residents averaging 3 hours and 24 minutes in discretionary activities. This category, which includes entertainment, sports, and cultural pursuits, saw a participation rate of 97.4%.
• Among retirees, the time devoted to leisure rises significantly, with those aged 60 and above averaging over 5 hours of personal time daily. The widespread access to digital entertainment likely contributes to this trend, as 92.9% of participants reported spending time online, averaging nearly 6 hours each day for internet activities.

5. Education and Learning: Commitment Among Youth

• Reflecting the strong emphasis on education, especially among children and young adults, study time averaged 1 hour and 47 minutes per day across all participants. However, among those actively engaged in study, this figure rises to 7 hours and 9 minutes.
• The commitment to study is especially high among urban youth, with educational activities representing a substantial part of daily life for students and younger residents.

6. Commuting and Travel

• On average, participants spend 50 minutes per day on commuting or travel, reflecting China’s extensive urbanization and the commuting patterns associated with work and school.
• Urban residents typically report shorter commutes than rural participants, highlighting disparities in regional infrastructure and access to services.

Changing Time Use and Societal Shifts

The survey data points to several notable societal shifts in China, many of which reflect both global trends and uniquely Chinese dynamics. The substantial amount of time spent online—nearly six hours daily—underscores the growing role of digital spaces in everyday life, from entertainment to social interaction. This trend is consistent across urban and rural populations, suggesting an increasingly connected society despite geographical divides.

Another significant finding is the persistent gender gap in unpaid labor. Women continue to bear a larger share of household and caregiving responsibilities, a trend also observed in many other countries. However, the gradual increase in men’s participation in domestic tasks hints at a slow but evolving shift in gender roles.

Youth engagement in education also highlights the importance placed on academic success in China, with considerable time dedicated to studies, especially among urban students. This emphasis reflects the competitive educational environment and the pressures faced by younger generations.

Finally, the rise in discretionary time, particularly among older residents, could indicate an increase in quality of life. As more Chinese citizens reach retirement with sufficient resources and a robust social safety net, they have the opportunity to pursue personal interests and leisure activities. This shift aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to improve living standards and expand social services.

Implications and Future Directions

The Third National Time Use Survey provides a valuable lens through which policymakers, sociologists, and economists can assess the impact of policy changes and societal transformations on daily life. For instance, the survey’s data on unpaid labor could inform family policy reforms aimed at better supporting women and promoting gender equality. Similarly, insights into commuting times and digital engagement might guide infrastructure investments and digital inclusion initiatives.

Furthermore, with China’s rapidly aging population, the time use data among older residents could help shape senior care policies, encouraging a balanced approach that considers both healthcare needs and social engagement opportunities for the elderly.

As the NBS continues to refine and expand this survey, future iterations may incorporate even more diverse demographics or emerging trends, such as remote work or the gig economy. For now, this dataset serves as an essential resource for understanding how millions of Chinese citizens navigate their daily lives in a time of rapid economic and social change.