Amid China’s rapid economic and social development, some children continue to grow up unseen and overlooked. Gaps in resources between urban and rural communities, across regions, and among families leave some children without the care, protection, education, healthcare, and community support they need. These include left-behind children, migrant children, and children with disabilities. Now more than ever, they need sustained and stable support to grow up safely and look toward a future filled with possibility.
Through the World Vision China Partners regular giving programme, you can stand with us to support vulnerable children in Shaanxi, Tianjin, Jilin, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangdong in the Chinese mainland. Together, we help communities better protect their children, walk alongside them as they grow, and build safer, more caring, and hope-filled environments where every child can thrive.
Large-scale migration within China has reshaped the growth environment of many children. As families relocate, become separated between rural and urban areas, or adjust to new living environments, many children face added challenges along their developmental journey. They may not always receive consistent care and developmental support, making it harder to fully enjoy the childhood they deserve.
Across the country, an estimated 138 million children are affected — nearly one in every two children experiences the effects of migration.1
Nationwide, there are approximately 66.93 million left-behind children (41.77 million in rural areas and 25.16 million in towns)1. Left-behind children are those whose parents work away from home for extended periods, so they are cared for by grandparents or other relatives.
This long-term separation can deprive them of stable affection and consistent companionship during their formative years, making them more vulnerable to challenges in learning, social development, and health and safety.
Left-behind children are mainly concentrated in rural areas, with approximately 40 % of rural children falling into this group.1
Nationwide, there are approximately 71.09 million migrant children2. They move with their parents from their hometowns to live in cities, but they often face challenges in integrating into urban communities, and access to some public services and resources can still be limited.
At the same time, living in unfamiliar surroundings without stable support networks or community connections, these children often feel lonely, insecure, and anxious. They may also face discrimination and exclusion, making their growth and adaptation to city life even more difficult.
Migrant children are mainly concentrated in urban areas, with approximately one in every three urban children being a migrant child.2
There are approximately five million children with disabilities nationwide3, who face challenges in daily life, learning, and social participation due to physical, intellectual, sensory, or multiple disabilities.
These children sometimes struggle to receive fair treatment, and access to rehabilitation services, early intervention, and assistive devices is limited, particularly for those in rural and low-income households. Practical access to education and healthcare can still be challenging, making children more vulnerable to learning delays, psychological distress, and social pressures. At the same time, caregivers face heavy financial and daily burdens, while family support may be limited, making it harder for children to grow and integrate into society.
Millions of children affected by migration or disabilities lack the care and protection every child deserves.
China’s social and economic changes have left many children without enough parental guidance, community support, or daily care, affecting their education, health, self-esteem, and future prospects. Over 80% of migrant children experience emotional neglect, unable to gain the sense of security every child needs2, while approximately 49.5% of rural children show difficulties in behavior and conduct3.
Children with disabilities face similar challenges, especially those living in remote areas, where stigma, limited inclusive environments, and gaps in quality services make it harder for them to reach their full potential.
Without essential care and support, these children face greater hardships on their developmental journey — whether migrant, left-behind, or disabled, their future opportunities may be limited, making it harder to see a hopeful path ahead.
Safer, nurturing environments for children to grow
Rehabilitation and social services to help children thrive
Clean water and improved sanitation to safeguard children’s wellbeing
Preparedness and resilience-building to strengthen community recovery
Help protect China’s vulnerable children and those affected by migration