YINCHUAN - While most Chinese college graduates were vying for posts in the civil service, four young men chose to build their "China dream" by starting a business, a source of encouragement for many of the country's netizens.

Tan Longchao, Ma Nan, Chen Zhe and Tang Ming opened a shop that sells native products at the end of 2011, after graduating from Beifang University of Nationalities in northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

The sales volume of their store, "Dream Sweet", reached 1 million yuan ($160,000) last year. As a shop and a distributor they have signed contracts with more than 20 other companies, and become the general agent for nearby provinces.

The success story has led to wide discussions on the Internet.

During the college graduation and recruitment period, some young Chinese have been inspired to pursue their dreams.

This is in contrast to the news that up to 2,900 undergraduates and 29 postgraduates applied to be sanitation workers in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province.

"After hearing about the Harbin story, I felt disappointed for the younger generation of our country. The four young men from Ningxia offer hope and I believe many youngsters will be inspired." said a netizen named "Xiaobudian".

On his blog, "Xiaodong" said, "I was hesitating about starting my own business but I know I will be halfway to success if I am brave enough to follow my dream."

Just like other college graduates, Tan and his business partners were expected, by family and friends, to become public servants, which could have ensured them a stable life.

"My family was confused and disagreed with me when I first wanted to start the business," said Tan, "they said I was wasting my time and tried to persuade me to apply for village official roles."

Related Readings

Highly educated cleaners start jobs in Harbin

Majority of postgrad examinees seeking better jobs

College graduate becomes farmer

Graduate studies new pottery techniques

Jobless college graduates trigger concern

University grad takes job as dorm keeper

Job hunting gets tougher for grads