Inside a second-hand van, Qiao Shuai, owner of the mobile barber shop, is hard at work. [Photo/Wang Xiaohui]

Near the bustling Daqi Subway Station in Ningbo, Zhejiang province sits an unassuming second-hand van that has transformed into a thriving mobile barbershop.

Photographer Wang Xiaohui stumbled upon this unique scene and was immediately drawn to the "Men's Haircut 9.9 yuan ($1.36)" sign. She was surprised to find a fully equipped barbershop housed within the worn-out vehicle. Accompanying the business license was a handwritten pledge: "Challenge to Train 100 Apprentices in a Year – Free Tuition". This unconventional setup intrigued Wang, who had seen mobile coffee shops before but never a mobile barbershop.

The barber, Qiao Shuai, a native of Anhui province, has turned his passion for hairdressing into a thriving business. After graduating from a hairdressing school with a high-level certificate, he embarked on a journey that led him to Beilun, where he eventually settled 18 years ago. Despite branching out into other ventures, Qiao never lost touch with his craft. Last November, he purchased the old van and transformed it into a mobile salon. His skill and low prices have earned him a loyal clientele, mainly men, seniors, and children from the local migrant worker community.

However, his dream of mentoring and training 100 apprentices within a year has been more challenging than anticipated. While several individuals have shown interest, only a few have persevered, with one surnamed Zhang being one of the standouts. Under Qiao's guidance, Zhang has honed his skills.