Students attend a guitar night class at the Huzhou Cultural Center. [Photo/hz66.com]

Balancing daytime jobs with evening study has become the norm for many young people in China. This trend has led to a resurgence in nighttime art classes, with more and more young individuals embracing this new lifestyle.

The Huzhou Cultural Center teems with activity during weeknights, attracting students of all ages to its art classes. From guitar lessons to jazz dance, and from floral arrangements to thoughtful discussions, every class is filled with enthusiastic participants.

One student surnamed Luo said, "Attending night school after work allows me to pursue my interests, improve myself, and make friends who share my passions. It's a win-win situation."

Since September, the Huzhou Cultural Center has offered a range of free art classes under the theme "Artistic Heart, Artistic Beauty". These classes cover various disciplines including calligraphy, photography, fine arts, dance, opera, musical instruments, vocal music, and crafts. The selection process involves a lottery system, and the majority of classes consist of 10 sessions. The classes mainly take place from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, earning them the nickname "night school".

The growing popularity of night schools among young people is not accidental. While there have been educational opportunities for minors and senior citizens, there has been a relative lack of artistic education for middle-aged and young adults. The rise of night schools bridges this gap, providing opportunities for participation in cultural activities and artistic training.

One student, who works at a bank, shared her experience in a traditional Chinese painting class, saying, "I had a solid foundation in painting but never had the chance to learn traditional Chinese painting before attending night school. It's thanks to night school that I have been able to progress from the beginner class to the advanced class. The high-quality teachers at night school are invaluable. Without it, I would never have had access to such expertise."

Qiu Gang, a representative of the Huzhou Cultural Center, pointed out that the popularity of night schools reflects a cultural shift among urban youth, who now view learning as a lifelong pursuit. It's not merely a means to obtain a diploma, but a way to enhance aesthetic appreciation, spiritual well-being, and personal growth. 

Qiu Gang also mentioned the center's plans for the future. "Next, we will identify the specific needs of young people, offer more diverse course content, improve teaching methods, and establish an interactive night school ecosystem. Our goal is to bring high-quality cultural resources to more young people and provide a sustainable path for lifelong education."