Four doctorates and 19 master's degree holders have applied for 24 grassroots-level government positions in Suichang county of Zhejiang province. In Heping county of Guangdong province, 31 doctorates and 700 master's degree holders have applied for 82 similar government positions.

The competition was so fierce that the interview had to be delayed once in Heping, triggering nationwide discussion on why grassroots-level government jobs in counties are suddenly attracting so many qualified talents.

The secret lies in the many favorable policies adopted by the county-level governments. In Suichang, for example, a doctorate degree holder can get a subsidy of 750,000 yuan ($110,617) upon taking up a local government job. The money is enough to buy an apartment that is 50 square meters in size.

Behind the subsidies is the central government's call for urbanizing the counties. Suichang aims to become a satellite town with complementary facilities. In order to attract industries from major cities, the potential satellite counties must attract talents.

The country has been investing heavily in the medical and education systems in the counties to try and narrow the gap between them and major cities. That's why many counties are trying to attract professionals such as teachers and doctors.

With these professionals joining the local organizations, the counties will soon have more quality hospitals and schools.

Talent will be more evenly distributed across the country with the development of the counties. Those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle can then live in the smaller counties while those who like a fast-paced and competitive life can move to the metropolises.