Though it's in a bubble, Beijing's current median salary to median house price is 1:27.  Normally anything over 1:4 is considered expensive. That analyst will have a hell of a time getting an apartment, nevermind the Ayi (aunt).<p>The Ayi doesn't have much beyond a subsistence living. Needless to say she's probably supported as well by her kids or something, but if not she's in a world of hurt when she's too old to work.<p>I do appreciate why it's used but slave wages is probably the wrong term,  the Ayi is working in a market economy that simply has way too many completely unskilled workers for the work needing done.