With soaring property prices and fierce competition over human resources globally, the local government in Shenzhen was on the defensive, saying it promoted the package, including housing subsidies, benefits for spouses and children and research funds, in order to attract more talent to the region.

Jason Wong, a headhunter in Beijing, confirmed the thirst for talent. "My major clients are shifting from foreign companies to Chinese ones. But with leading-edge companies clustered in Beijing and Shanghai, Shenzhen has gradually lost its upper hand in the competition for human resources."

Song Ding, a sociologist at the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute, told the Global Times that "buying" talent isn't the solution, and the government should boost public confidence by clarifying selection standards and details of where the funds go.

"It's fair to say that the intention of the government is good, but the measures need to be discussed. Rewarding talented people in a materialistic way leads to a negative public reaction," Song said.

Underscoring achievements in innovation and job creation for the city is vital to winning public support, Song added.

Song suggested that many people would question whether huge incentive for talents may be eating away at subsidies for low-income residents.

However, a press officer surnamed Yu at the Shenzhen Human Resources Bureau dismissed such concerns.

Incentive for talent and low-income housing subsidies target different groups, and the government is investing in both, Yu told the Global Times.

And Shenzhen isn't the only city offering housing subsidies to attract talent.

Beijing offers housing subsidies but the budget is shouldered by individual companies or institutes that recruit the talent, according to plans published on Beijing Human Resources and Social Security Bureau's website. Beijing and Shanghai also offer hukou (res-idence registration) as a means of attracting top talent.