Young workers drawn to night classes in Shanghai

"In the face of social competition and the tension of the workplace, night schools can create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Many young people come to night schools not just to learn skills but to soothe their minds and release their emotions," said Liu Jia, head of the art training department of Shanghai Changning Culture and Art Center.

"The current resurgence of night schools reflects the higher aspirations for art appreciation and spiritual fulfillment, driven by the improvement of living standards," said Jin Zhongming, a professor from the East China Normal University.

"Art is an expression of the vitality of life, and the younger generation, full of vitality, seeks a richer spiritual life. This demand aligns well with the content and value of the night school," he added.

The night schools not only help young people benefit from public cultural services but also bring traditional culture and arts back to life, according to Liu.

"In many aspects, intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chinese culture have been confined to relatively small communities, and some public cultural venues lack a younger audience. Night schools have revitalized these resources, making them more accessible to young people while giving traditional artisans' skills greater significance and value," said Liu.

"It's foreseeable that there'll be a growing demand for the public culture and arts services and that requires governments to build better platforms to integrate resources and to make more relevant parties the service providers," Jin added.