From Passion to Paycheck: The Shanghai Story
Everyone’s got that dream of turning a hobby into a hustle, but let’s be honest, that’s easier to talk about than to actually pull off.
Introducing “Yong Liu 2020”
This series dives into Shanghai’s cultural‑creative scene and shows how a love for the arts can blossom into a real business‑venture.
Five Creatives, One Big Dream
- Painter‑preneur – turning canvases into cash‑mere boutique studios
- Geek‑genius – converting code into cultural commerce
- History‑hunter – packaging heritage into pop‑culture products
- Food‑freak – cooking up culinary concepts that double as brand stories
- Story‑seller – selling narratives, not just nostalgia
In short, “Yong Liu 2020” proves that with a pinch of ingenuity and a dash of hustle, your dream can indeed turn into a thriving reality.
Photoshop made easy
Picture‑Perfect Made Effortless
Ever wondered if there’s a photo‑edit app that won’t make your grandpa roll his eyes at a stubborn thing on his phone? Meet Makaron – the tool that promises a Photoshop‑like experience for anyone, even those who’ve never touched a graphic design app before.
What Makes Makaron Stand Out?
- Zero Skill Required: Zap in your idea and let the AI handle the rest.
- Human‑like Creativity: It’s as if a clever friend scarified the complexity right out of your eyeball.
- Super‑Friendly Interface: Think big buttons and “drag‑and‑drop” vibes, not a labyrinth of menus.
- All‑in‑One: Photo, video, overlay, filters – all in one place.
The Vision Behind The App
Cai Tianyi, the founder and CEO, envisions Makaron as China’s own Adobe Photoshop, but on a whole different wavelength – one that removes the learning curve so people can focus on fun and creativity instead of tedious regulations. If an AI steers the heavy lifting, your imagination gets to shine.
Why Boomers Should Try It
Don’t let the age sign fool you: every “grandma” or “grandpa” who taps around can create eye‑catching content without a background teacher. It’s designed to turn plain photos into something that looks like it was born in a studio.
Bottom Line
Makaron believes that if you can take a photo, you can make it amazing without being a pro. The goal is simple: let ordinary folks become creative heroes.
An artist’s dream
Du Du’s Splash of Creativity: Reviving Shanghai’s Art Scene
Running an art gallery from scratch isn’t just about pinning up pretty pictures; it’s a whole circus of logistics, people, and a dash of pure magic. Yet, Yu Qinrun—affectionately known as Du Du—is pulling off that circus with flair.
Meet Du Du: From London to Shanghai
Fresh out of the London University of Arts, Du Du shifted her creative compass to Shanghai in 2017. With a squad of like‑minded friends, she started blending different art forms into one cohesive space. The results? A wave of visitors spanning kids, teens, and the older generation alike.
Why it Matters
- Community‑First Approach—every exhibition is a shared experience.
- Flexibility & Innovation—from physical shows to a quirky virtual dive into Animal Crossing via the Nintendo Switch.
- Cultured Connection—bringing fresh art vibes into a bustling city.
Highlights of the Journey
Since 2017, I’ve seen:
- Multiple physical exhibitions featuring local artists and up‑and‑coming talent.
- One standout virtual gallery snagged the spotlight on Animal Crossing, letting players explore art in a breakout paradise.
- Regular pop‑up events that keep the city buzzing with creative energy.
What’s Next?
Du Du is cooking up more digitally immersive projects and collaborations with international designers. Whether it’s a festival or a quiet corner, she’s determined to make Shanghai’s art scene as lively and inviting as it can be.
So, if you find yourself in Shanghai and craving a splash of color, art, and occasionally a hint of Animal Crossing charm, keep an eye on Du Du’s next venture—you’ll definitely want to get front row (or maybe front screen, if it’s virtual) seats!
Understanding solar terms
What’s the Real Deal with the 24 Solar Terms?
Ever wondered if the 24 solar terms belong to the Gregorian calendar or the Lunar one?
That’s the question Li Xiang, the brains behind Jie Qi Bao Bei (literally “Jeepie Pickpocket” in English), wants kids to ask and answer. He’s weaving this mystery into catchy songs, interactive storybooks, and hands‑on workshops so that every child can discover, play, and learn at the same time.
The Spark That Ignited the Switch
- Picture this: A pregnant wife, a missed appointment, and an accidental tumble. A mishap that left Li Xiang feeling the sting of “I wish all families could talk more.”
- From that rocky moment, he decided it was time to build something that would keep Chinese traditions alive and make parents and kids bond on the same page.
- He rolled out songs that turn the solar terms into verses, interactive books that let kids “drag” their own seasons, and interactive workshops where you get to plant seeds or paint the sky.
Why Are We Still Confused?
Because calendars are a mess—two of them, actually! The Gregorian calendar is the one most of us use for birthdays and holidays, while the Lunar calendar is the one that keeps track of the Moon’s phases and many traditional festivals. The 24 solar terms are a time‑keeping system that dates back millennia, and they’re used by both calendars to mark the seasonal shifts in China. Li Xiang’s goal is to make kids aware that, no matter which calendar you’re looking at, the solar terms are the true north that keeps the seasons on schedule.
The Bottom Line
It all boils down to one simple idea: Culture isn’t a deal‑in‑the‑air—it’s in the rhythm of our everyday life and the melodies we pass down. And thanks to Li Xiang’s playful approach, the next generation is about to become the new “season‐veterans” while making lasting memories with their parents.
Elevating museum experiences
Ethan Tang’s Live‑Stream Revolution: Museums Take the Spotlight
Picture this: a virtual glass‑door audience, a broadcast button blinking like a neon sign, and your favorite museum told in real‑time. That’s the vision Ethan Tang, founder of LWA Brand Management, has set into motion. Inspired by the frenzy of online live streaming, he’s turning the quiet halls of Europe’s finest cultural hubs into buzzing digital arenas.
What’s the Game Plan?
Ethan’s mission is simple yet ambitious: ignite the senses of every museum fan without them leaving their living rooms. LWA is rolling out interactive courses that let viewers:
- Step inside priceless galleries
- Interact with curators and artists live
- Get behind‑the‑scenes histories in bite‑size videos
- Ask questions on the fly and receive instant insights
- Share the experience with friends in real time
The French Army of Museums
To prove this bold concept works, LWA teamed up with five of France’s top museums:
- Louvre Museum – Home of Mona Lisa’s mystery grin
- Musee d’Orsay – Where Impressionism meets modern charm
- Pompidou Centre – The birthplace of avant‑garde culture
- Army Museum (Paris) – A salute to valor and steel
- National Museum of National History – Where the past writes itself
Celebrating Beethoven’s Legacy
On top of the museum collaboration, LWA seized a golden opportunity: curating a spectacular exhibit for Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Audiences could deep‑dive into the composer’s life, hear live renditions of his masterworks, and explore interactive displays that celebrated the maestro’s genius.
With a sprinkle of live streaming flair and a dash of museum magic, Ethan Tang and LWA Brand Management are taking cultural exploration from museum halls to the living room front‑line. Don’t just read history – live it!
Appreciating the arts from young
Meet the Fairy‑Tale Architect: Chen Jizhe
Picture a bustling theatre, a sea of bright eyes, and the intoxicating scent of popcorn. In the middle of all that, Chen Jizhe is orchestrating magic that kids love and adults secretly enjoy. She’s the mastermind behind Xiao Bu Dian Da Shi Jie, an international troupe that brings imported children’s shows straight to local stages.
Why Kids, Why Theatre?
- Children are the future. Chen believes they deserve the same quality of art as grown‑ups.
- Theatre is a playground for the imagination—“if you want to travel to the moon, start on a stage!” she says.
- Every time a little one gasps or cheers, she’s rewarded with a tiny, heartfelt applause.
The Perks of the Job
Besides the fun of running a company, the real thrill is standing on the sidelines, watching the kids’ reactions. “It’s like watching a fireworks show, but in the form of giggles and squeals,” she chuckles. And if she could have all the cast’s aprons, she would—because nothing says “I love this field” better than a flour‑popped smile.
Long‑Term Dreams
Chen’s vision? The adventures she’s a part of should be lifelong. “I want to keep showing the world that theatre isn’t just for adults. Even when I’ve built a grandgarde of storybooks, I still want to be in the front row, cheering for the next show.”
Thanks to Yicai for partnering on this inspiring profile. For more enchanting stories like this, keep an eye on Asia One and its creative outlook for the next generation.
