INVESTIGATOR
Investigation is my medium to turn curiosity into impact.
China Thinks Big
In November 2022, I participated in the China Thinks Big (CTB) innovation research challenge, and our project successfully advanced to the national finals in Shanghai on March 10, 2023.
Our research focused on job satisfaction, a core aspect of career life. We observed that when parents influence their children's choices based on their own perceptions and preferences regarding careers, children might end up in professions they do not genuinely like, leading to decreased job satisfaction. Based on this, our study proposed a core hypothesis: an individual's job satisfaction is negatively correlated with the degree of parental influence on their career choice. To test this hypothesis, we collected 439 valid survey samples from various provinces across China, conducting in-depth analysis of respondents' job satisfaction, intrinsic job satisfaction, degree of parental career influence, and the extent of parental career bias.
The findings revealed two key insights: As expected, there was a strong positive correlation between the extent of parents' career bias and their level of influence on their children's career choices. However, more revealingly, while the degree of parental influence showed a negative correlation with the children's ultimate job satisfaction and intrinsic satisfaction, the statistical correlation was much weaker than anticipated, almost negligible.
This conclusion prompted deeper reflection: it might indicate that while parental intervention is common, the factors determining whether an individual finds fulfillment in their career are far more complex than imagined. This points out the way for future research—we need to further explore the key factors that help individuals maintain professional passion and satisfaction amidst various influences.
Nantou Ancient City:
A Dialogue Between Dynasties and Development
Where history breathes through modern streets.
Located just 9 kilometers from my home in Shenzhen, Nantou Ancient City stands as a 1,700-year-old urban village caught between preservation and modernization. Through this field investigation, I examined how urban renewal has transformed the city’s architectural and cultural identity—balancing the tension between heritage and commercialization.
Field Study & Analysis
My research combined on-site observation, interviews with locals and tourists, and policy analysis to explore how historical meaning is maintained in a rapidly urbanizing environment. Despite its ancient origins, Nantou has been redefined by trendy cafés, modern exhibitions, and commercial activities, often at the expense of its cultural authenticity.
Observation
Interviews
Policy analysis
Key findings highlighted issues such as:
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The cultural disconnect between locals and visitors;
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Over-commercialization overshadowing historical elements;
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Architectural imbalance between old and new structures;
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The need for community participation in heritage preservation.
Design Proposal: Xu Space — Matcha Garden
Inspired by the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the philosophy of “harmony between heaven and humanity,” my proposed renovation plan integrates narrative architecture and sensory experience.
Design Concept
A stroll-garden-inspired spatial layout blending Lingnan architectural motifs with modern café culture.
Cultural Activation
Interactive storytelling elements, photography exhibitions, and edible artifacts such as the Brick-Carved Window Motif Matcha Cookie reinterpret Nantou’s traditional latticework in a contemporary form.
Goal
To create a living cultural space that transforms daily encounters—sipping tea, walking through courtyards—into acts of historical remembrance.
