A sculpture of Xiao Mi, a character in Jimmy Liao's How to Own a Corner, is displayed on the first floor of Joy City. Photos by Wu Ni / China Daily

Exploring history with 3D paintings

Japanese artist lights up Shanghai

Walking out of the tent and looking up, one can see six giant sculptures of Xiao Mi, a character in Liao's book, hanging in the air. Xiao Mi poses in different gestures as if he is flying in the sky, which - together with the cute animals on the ground - produces an illusion that people are living in the world Liao created.

There are also plenty of souvenirs for sale, such as wallets, notebooks, photo frames and table lamps with themes from Liao's works.

"Many shopping malls hold exhibitions now but I think this one is the most impressive," says Huang Yuting, a 28-year-old woman in Shanghai who works for a local company.

"I first read Jimmy's Turn Left, Turn Right in high school and fell in love with his books from then on. I feel his drawings have a magical power of touching the heart."

Liao had suffered from leukemia and recovered after spending much time in the hospital. The idea of life being fragile and the stress that comes with the thought of losing loved ones always is an undertone of his works, which have captivated a large number of urbanites.