The Beijing Pixel residential complex is home to 9,000 apartments and 30,000 people. Photo: Xiao Juan

Beijing’s migrant population flocked to the complex after it opened in 2009 due to its compact, yet comfortable, apartments and convenient subway access. Photo: Xiao Juan

Advertisements and other notices cover a statue in Beijing Pixel’s courtyard. It’s one sign the neglect that now mars the apartment complex. Photo: Xiao Juan

Businesses now occupy many of the apartments in the complex. Photo: Xiao Juan

Resident Liu Chang bought his ground-floor apartment in 2018 for 2.5 million yuan ($345,755). It serves as both his residence and the place where he offers one-on-one music lessons. Photo: Xiao Juan

A resident that goes by the name Pika poses for photos with her new motorcycle in Beijing’s Pixel’s underground parking lot. Photo: Xiao Juan

Dust covers motorcycles and bikes left in the underground parking lot. Photo: Xiao Juan

Residents play table tennis in an area of the underground parking lot that has been turned into a rec room. Photo: Xiao Juan

Resident Gao Zhifei bought his apartment at Beijing Pixel for 1.6 million yuan in 2012. In 2022, he converted it into a paid study room. Photo: Xiao Juan

A six-year resident of Pixel who volunteers at a local animal shelter has 38 cats at her home, even though she has given away more than 50. Photo: Xiao Juan

Planes routinely fly over Beijing Pixel, creating a noise nuisance for residents. Photo: Xiao Juan