A subway view in Beijing. [Photo/CGTN]

Sparking debate in China

Ever since it was published, the article has been widely debated by both media and social media users.

On Weibo, China's state broadcaster CCTV responded, condemning the essay for purposely polarizing the relationship between locals and newcomers.

"In reality, Beijing is not as cold as it is described. We all know that it won't be easy to live in a big city. The future of Beijing is in the hands of competent, daring and hardworking people pursuing their dreams," it said.

The country's Xinhua News Agency lashed out, arguing that behind the words is not the "fakeness" of Beijing, but the clamor of the author's emotions about "coming to Beijing."

Netizens seem more divided, with some applauding Zhang's article, while others have taken offense.

"I work overtime to 9:30 p.m., commute by bus and subway, arrive at home at 11:38 p.m., and now I just lie down in bed, but what I am living is a real life," said online user sanjindaren233.

"So as the author suggested, is life all about a house? I am enjoying the prosperity of Beijing and I am contributing to it. Thinking about the future, I feel so energetic even though I live in this teeny tiny sharing apartment. I can't afford a life abroad and don't wanna escape, but I'm living, not pretending, my life," wrote online user jokerker.