The Barber Under the Bridge: Wu Nanshan and His Time in Huayuan Alley

My name is Wu Nanshan. I was born in 1966. For now, I cut hair for elders in the Garden Alley, under the Grand Bridge. Even though I'm not young anymore, in this film, everyone still calls me "Little Wu."

My family used to run a business. We were wealthy, and I went to private school when I was a child. Unfortunately, the good times did not last. The Cultural Revolution started during the time when I was in elementary school and junior high school. My family went bankrupt, so I had to settle down in the village of Duxing, and my parents went to work in a mining factory for a living. Later, we moved to Nanchang after living conditions improved slightly, I finished high school there and was admitted to the university of Kunming, majoring in mechanical engineering then. After graduation, I worked as a security inspector for decades. I continued until the epidemic broke out.

After quitting my job, I chose to be a barber. At that time, the economy was not in a good status and everyone held limited money and resources, so I thought I could help everyone by making haircuts cheaper. Although my place I stayed was a bit remote—it is next to the old town—there were quite a lot of old people coming here. I didn't charge much, and sometimes I did free haircuts for everyone. I didn 't make much money cutting hair. The rent was mainly payed by salaries I received doing other work.

I chose to live here because of the good environment, and because the rent is cheap and the transportation is convenient. At first there was few customers , and I was deciding to quit, but as I got to establish acquaintances with old people here, I couldn't walking away. We get along very well and laughs and talks every day.

I live a very laid-back life now. Every day, I wake up whenever feeling comfortable. When I arrive at my barbershop, old men who have just finished shopping near by often come to chat with me. If someone comes for a haircut, I work. In the afternoon, when no business is coming, I like to go to the park to see people playing chess or to do some side businesses. When I get home in the evening, I watch TV as a relaxation. I'm quite satisfied with my life now. I don't have to worry about food and clothing. I feel very happy and fulfilled just talking to these old guys around me every day and hearing their daily stories.

- Wu Nanshan

China

胥智｜Content curator

Victor Ying｜Editor

Hellen｜Translator