Night Schools Fuel a Lifelong Learning Boom in China

In Changsha, a city in central China, 52-year-old Yang Li experienced a transformation after enrolling in Chinese painting classes. She began to incorporate brighter colors into her wardrobe and present her meals in an artistic manner, drawing comparisons to a painter's palette from her son.

Yang, a white-collar worker, chose to spend her evenings at a local night school, replacing her usual housework with painting. She described the experience as unlocking a "second life," fostering patience and a newfound appreciation for the small details of the world around her.

This trend of adults returning to the classroom after work is growing. Night schools are now offering a diverse range of courses, including video editing, musical instruments, and artificial intelligence, allowing individuals to explore new interests and engage in lifelong learning.

The popularity of these night classes is evident in the surge of online discussions about them. Many individuals are sharing course suggestions, learning tips, and personal experiences, highlighting the hobby-driven nature of this educational movement.

Young people are also finding value in these affordable classes. For example, 24-year-old Wang Haodong, a community worker, attends guitar lessons at night, finding that music helps him to alleviate the stress of his day.

Beyond hobbies, some individuals are using night schools to adapt to the changing demands of society. Yang Baohua, a former industrial worker, enrolled in an AI training course to keep pace with automation and digital transformation in the workplace. He has learned to use AI tools for document creation and is beginning to learn basic coding, with the goal of obtaining an AI trainer certification.

Night school classes in Changsha are reasonably priced, with teaching materials provided. The classes are typically held on weekday evenings, leaving weekends free. The demand for these courses is high, with popular classes filling up quickly.

Night schools in Changsha have served over 100,000 participants in the past two years, with courses regularly updated based on student feedback. The trend extends beyond Changsha, with night schools also flourishing in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanchang, and Nanjing.

The adult education market in China is expected to experience significant growth, driven by rising incomes and a growing demand for lifelong learning. Experts suggest that the fast pace of modern life has fueled the demand for nighttime public education, providing individuals with an accessible and affordable way to pursue their interests.