Students ditch libraries for fun, focus of theme parks

Compromise solution

The phenomenon of studying in unconventional places reflects the difficult situation faced by contemporary youth who are torn between the pressure to succeed and the desire for joy.

In a Chinese-style education system where "playing recklessly" is seen as a luxury, young people struggle with a paradox: indulging too much feels irresponsible, yet traditional learning feels suffocating. By choosing to study in a theme park, they seek a compromise — a way to balance academic expectations with entertainment.

This reflects the spirit of young adventurers who challenge conventions — not driven by results, but by a desire to explore.

"Choosing to study in the most chaotic environment while engaging in the most focused activity is an act of defiance against orthodox norms. Yet, like any adventure fraught with risks, this unconventional learning method may ultimately prove unsustainable," said Yu Hai, a sociology professor at Fudan University.

Yu added that the initial sense of freedom may eventually give way to guilt as academic pressures mount, revealing that, despite their attempts to break free, young people remain tethered to the very expectations they seek to escape.

"Studying at joyful places like Disneyland is more than just an experiment in efficiency — it is an unintentional act of rebellion, a search for new possibilities in a world that so often presents only rigid choices," said Yu.