With no restraints

Singer-songwriter Zhang Ying tells Chen Nan her embrace of jazz music is 'like playing in an amusement park'.

She started learning piano at age 5, and graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music with a master's degree in composing. Her parents were both philosophy professors. Now in her mid-30s, she is teaching in the music department of Communication University of China. If an old-fashioned and stern image comes to your mind, then you will be totally surprised by Zhang Ying.

A jazz singer-songwriter with long curly hair, red lips and a big smile, Zhang has been attracting critical attention for her original jazz tunes for nearly a decade.