Why Pay Rent When the Mall Never Sleeps?
High rents aren’t just a European headache—China’s students know the struggle too. In Shanghai, where housing doesn’t come cheap, one young man took matters into his own hands. According to The New York Post, he set up camp under a staircase inside a bustling shopping center. Not just a quick nap spot: he made a real home out of it, with a tent, a bed, and even a desk equipped with his trusty computer. It was his own little HQ for late-night study sessions, hiding in plain sight. Some shoppers go home after dark—he simply zipped up his tent.
Making Home Under the Escalators
If you’re picturing a secret fortress, you’re not far off. By day, crowds strolled the galleries, grabbing coffee or bargains, never guessing a student was quietly living under their feet. The careful arrangement of his living space made it almost invisible; a video shared by Shanghai Daily on X (formerly Twitter) even reveals his low-key setup. Now, that’s what we call multitasking: shopping, housing, and studying, all on the same square footage.
The (Mostly) Kindness of Strangers
Living incognito isn’t easy. Despite his efforts to stay under the radar, eventually a security guard spotted him. But instead of giving him the boot, the guard was touched by his predicament. Choosing empathy over orders, the guard kept the student’s secret. Everything went smoothly for a while—until October 30th, when another mall worker discovered the student’s hideaway and called the police. The secret was out, and the student had to leave his makeshift home.
Unusual Shelters: Shanghai’s Unspoken Tradition?
Turns out, Shanghai’s malls aren’t strangers to unconventional tenants. When the city’s heat waves get too intense, people sometimes find creative ways to cool off. In summer 2017, for example, the Swedish furniture giant Ikea turned into a haven for locals overwhelmed by the heat. Photos from AFP showed people sprawled on showroom beds, making themselves right at home among the displays—proof that necessity really is the mother of invention.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
