Zhou Yinggang, a gardening major from Qinghai University in Northwest China, was attracted to the southern city of Shenzhen not only because of its flourishing vegetation, but also free accommodations.

"I didn't expect the facilities to be so nice: clean bedding, hot water, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and janitors come to check the rooms every day. More important, it's completely free," said 23-year-old Zhou.

The project, called "Grads Home", launched by the Shenzhen Youth League Committee in October, aims to provide non-local college graduates with free, weeklong accommodations to facilitate their job hunt in Shenzhen.