Young people today are often described as increasingly difficult to understand. They are not fixated on the security of "iron rice bowl" jobs, nor do they blindly follow crowded "hot career tracks." To outsiders, their career choices often appear somewhat "laid-back" or even "rebellious." However, upon closer examination of these young talents rooted in Wuxi, it becomes clear that it is not a lack of ambition but rather a transformation in what they pursue. On this Youth Day, we explore the lives of six young individuals in Wuxi, each in a different role, showcasing six unique expressions of youth. They provide the most compelling answers through their own actions.
Some are using AI to depict their envisioned heroes. The surge of artificial intelligence has given rise to new professions, opening futuristic pathways for youth employment and reshaping the talent ecosystem in cities. At Wuxi Wenyou Technology Co., Ltd., the traditional hustle of a film set is absent. Instead, young professionals focus intently on screens, unleashing creativity in the digital realm. Liu Jing, a graduate in visual communication design, is a new-generation AI comic creator. Previously, her career aspirations were confined to traditional graphic design, but AI technology has dismantled these boundaries, enabling cross-disciplinary growth. She now independently manages the entire creative process—from script conception and AI-generated imagery to video production and content expansion. AI tools have not only expanded her professional horizons but also allowed her to venture into fields like film editing and literary creation, achieving disruptive breakthroughs in her career.
The emergence of new professions is quietly redefining competency standards in the animation industry. Competition no longer relies solely on traditional manual skills but emphasizes a composite of artistic aesthetics, technical literacy, project coordination, and human-machine collaboration. For the youth, this represents an opportunity bestowed by the era; for the city, it is a vivid testament to industrial upgrading and social progress. By adapting to trends and embracing change, Wuxi’s young people are finding their footing in the AI revolution, advancing toward the light.
Others are serving as "caretakers" for robots using AI. As humanoid robots transition from laboratories to mass production, AI trainers have quietly become a popular new profession. In Wuxi, post-00s youths are acting as dedicated mentors in the development of these robots. At Wuxi Kailong High-Tech Robot Training Center, AI trainer Gu Hanlin, equipped with motion capture gear, personally instructs a humanoid robot, repeatedly guiding it through basic actions like grasping, walking, and sensing, meticulously refining every detail. His work revolves around two core areas: data collection and large model training. By gathering vast amounts of real-world data from robots, he feeds back into algorithmic models, enabling the machines to mature through continuous learning. Witnessing a robot evolve from a naive "child" into an intelligent agent capable of independent tasks brings immense satisfaction, serving as the primary motivation to persist in this field.
He believes that the talent gap in the humanoid robotics industry will continue to widen. Young professionals from backgrounds such as mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence can enter and establish themselves in this field with systematic training. AI is not only reshaping industrial structures but also generating a steady stream of emerging roles. Instead of waiting for opportunities, proactively embracing the AI wave allows individuals to unlock new life paths at the intersection of expertise and technology.
Some are using screens to showcase their hometown’s flavors to the world. The charm of Jiangnan’s everyday life is most comforting to the ordinary heart—a fitting description for the Taihu Pearl live stream. Unlike typical e-commerce streams, the hosts here are broadcasting professionals. It may not be the most popular, but it is undoubtedly the most authentic to Wuxi. Zhou Yuanyuan, an introverted individual, has transitioned from a journalist and director to a broadcasting带货主播 in front of the camera. Initially, she struggled with prolonged expression and faced moments of doubt with sparse viewership. However, her inherent resilience pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Before broadcasts, she meticulously selects products, delving into the Wuxi stories behind each item; after streams, she analyzes data and feedback to optimize every detail. Behind the glamour lies daily perseverance, team effort, and a sincere desire to give back to her hometown.
From the rich sauce of Sanfengqiao spare ribs to the crisp sweetness of Huishan oil pastry, the juicy freshness of Yangshan peaches, and the elegant craftsmanship of Wuxi cultural products—each item in the Taihu Pearl live stream connects to the daily life of Jiangnan, with every story narrating Wuxi’s millennia-old heritage. "I hope viewers don’t just buy local specialties but also take away a warm memory of Wuxi," Zhou says softly yet powerfully. Her persistence reflects not only personal growth but also the media industry’s adaptation to new formats and promotion of urban culture. This small screen bridges distances, allowing more people to encounter, understand, and fall in love with Wuxi. This introverted youth exemplifies responsibility and dedication, proving that even ordinary roles can illuminate one’s hometown.
Some are measuring the city’s capillaries on foot, racing through its streets. What happens when police blue meets rider yellow? Ma Cheng, an officer at Dongjiang Police Station, has taken on an additional role. In a WeChat group named "Police-Xiaohuang Communication," he tirelessly posts reminders—from weather forecasts to new policies—telling riders, "No need to reply, just take note!" As a safety liaison at the Meituan Takeout Fangmiao Station, embedding himself at the site and connecting with riders has become part of his routine. In 2026, the city’s public security bureau pioneered a safety liaison mechanism in the province, stationing dedicated officers at major delivery sites to balance service with management and care with incentives, making new employment groups feel the city’s warmth and activating their participation in grassroots governance.
When riders faced rest difficulties, he coordinated the setup of warm rest stations; when delivery access was problematic, he liaised with properties to overcome the last-mile challenge; when help was needed, he was the first to assist. "This is a two-way street of warmth," Ma notes. While officers support riders, the latter patrol streets, observe public sentiment, report security clues, and aid in emergencies, fostering a collaborative safety framework. By March this year, the mechanism had been implemented across 42 urban sites, with police badges warming hustling riders and mobile forces safeguarding households, painting a picture of police-rider unity in Wuxi.
Some are creating unplugged dreams during others’ holidays. During the Labor Day holiday, crowds flocked to scenic spots. At the Three Kingdoms City, the live horse-riding show "Three Heroes Fight Lü Bu" commenced on time, stunning audiences with its battlefield spectacle. The actor portraying Guan Yu, clad in heavy armor, galloped and fought with full dedication, applause mingling with dust. Offstage, the majestic Guan Yu is Zhou Xucheng, a youth steadfast in his passion. From minor roles to lead performer, he has honed his skills on horseback over decades, driven by love for his craft.
His early days were marked by hardships—frequent falls while learning equestrian skills, bruises as routine, and countless repetitions until movements became muscle memory. Though the career span of a equestrian actor is limited, Zhou has bonded deeply with horses, considering the saddle a second home. Time has not dimmed his初心. Looking ahead, he plans to mentor new actors, passing on his equestrian expertise and passion, ensuring that the unplugged dreams of Jiangnan endure.
Others are crafting the "heart" for rockets with meticulous craftsmanship. On Wuxi’s innovation track, 28-year-old Yan Zhiguo embodies youthful dedication in aerospace. As a rocket engine engineer born in 1998, he contributes to the nation’s space ambitions. What drives this young engineer in a high-precision, high-threshold field? His answer is simple yet firm: "The thought that an engine I polished could power a rocket into space makes all the pressure worthwhile." His daily work involves structural simulation checks, part parameter adjustments, and data analysis, with relentless attention to detail and team collaboration. Facing challenges, he perseveres, overcoming technical hurdles with youthful tenacity.
On Youth Day, this aerospace youth encapsulates the duty and ideals of his generation: "Through hard work and innovation, we shoulder the mission of strengthening our nation’s space capabilities." Times change, and so do the faces of youth, but their vitality, responsibility, and dedication remain constant. Those deemed "hard to understand" are already living life on their own terms. This Youth Day, we salute every striving young individual.
Comments