Young workers drawn to night classes in Shanghai

Apart from the rich course variety, the easy accessibility has helped night school gain popularity among young people.

The courses are given at 123 teaching locations covering all 16 districts in Shanghai. Participants take 12 lessons given by professional tutors for a cost of about 500 yuan ($70), far below the market price.

When the course registration started at 10 am on August 11, more than 650,000 people tried to sign up, with around 10,000 successfully securing places. 12 courses including leather products making and baking were the most popular, selling out in just one minute.

"After work, I often waste time scrolling on my phone, and this leads to a sense of emptiness and restlessness. But during the one-and-a-half-hour engraving class at night school, I can focus entirely on a single activity, and it makes me feel fulfilled and calm," said 29-year-old Yang Xu, a student in the Chinese engraving class and attending the night school for the first time this year.

"Nowadays, young people are faced with great pressure, which may cause anxiety. Attending night school can be an effective way to ease our minds," Yang added.