A savior of waste gives used objects a new purpose

At another part of the Shanghai International Hobbycraft Expo, Ma Jiqiu's booth containing an eclectic range of items such as lamps, wall hooks and objects that he made from old fans, telephones, machinery parts and thermos drew a horde of curious visitors.

"I would like to buy a lamp for my new cafeteria," says a woman after consulting about the price and delivery conditions. "His design is unique and nostalgic at the same time. It will surely catch the eyes of some people at my cafe."

The 40-year-old Ma is, in his own words, a "waste collector" who got into the business of repurposing objects after his company went bankrupt years ago.