A bird's-eye view of the talent apartments. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Just seven months after the conclusion of the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Media Village, which garnered praise from international media, has undergone a stunning transformation and recently opened as talent apartments for its first tenants.

Yan Zhangsai, an IT engineer, was among the first to move in. "I rented a 40-square-meter unit. Although it's not large, it comes fully equipped with air conditioning, a gas stove, a washing machine, and a refrigerator, allowing me to move in immediately," Yan said.

Recognized as a Category E high-level talent by Hangzhou earlier this year, Yan quickly applied for the apartment after seeing the first rental announcement. "Even though I work in Binjiang district, the nearby metro makes commuting easy. The proximity to the Qiantang River offers a pleasant living environment," he noted.

In March, the apartments opened their first phase, offering 936 units for rent in 40-sq-m and 60-sq-m layouts. The apartments are primarily available to four categories of talent: those recognized by Hangzhou as A, B, C, D, or E level high-level talent, F level talent, district-level talent recognized by Xiaoshan district (including F level talent), and graduates with a full-time college degree or higher.

The rent is set at 2,350 yuan ($325.5) per month for a 40-sq-m unit and 3,500 yuan per month for a 60-sq-m unit. Eligible high-level talent can enjoy discounts ranging from free to 60 percent off, ordinary talent can receive a 30-percent discount, and those opting for "rent-subsidy separation" can receive a 10-percent discount.

The second phase of the apartments opened for applications on May 12, offering 1,780 rental units in various sizes from 40 to 90 sq m, and is expected to welcome more young professionals by mid to late June.

A bird's-eye view of the talent apartments. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]