The lockdown in Shanghai had many young people thinking about their past and future career decisions.

I am from Xinjiang but that doesn't mean I ride horses, it doesn't mean I eat qiegao, it also doesn't mean I am a thief or a terrorist. Listen to these young Xinjiang voices tell you what Xinjiang people are really like.

Even though we explain to others what Xinjiang is like, it is still hard to break down the image mainstream media creates of place like Urumqi. I can only do my best to tell you that Urumqi is not just grassland.

Stereotypes are dangerous, especially if they make up your entire understanding of something or someone. It is important to remember that everything and everyone is multifaceted. Just because one person does something a certain way doesn't mean everyone else does too.

Stereotypes of Xinjiang people don't only create confusion for the general population but also effect how Xinjiang people self-identify themselves.

How do we break down this ugly stereotype of Xinjiang? Both side need to openly communicate and work together to clear up misunderstandings. But where do we start? Start from yourself of course!

Jiang Xun believes the power of beauty is truly inside.

Artists may not, in fact, be able to capture nature.

How do we awaken our sense of perception?

In this episode of "Art Is So Easy," we meet artist Liu Yong and his eight-foot painting "Lantern Festival at Longshan Temple."

Liu Yong's eight-foot painting depicts a lively scene during the Lantern Festival in Wanhua.

An older artist explains how there were no artist studios back in his day.

The artist begins by explaining his daily process of painting.

The artist tells about the intricacies of his very dull painting process. Some people say they want to come watch him painting, but he advises against it. The magic is in the tedium.

The artist describes how he first began painting oil paintings. He copied the paintings on on poker chips confiscated during the cultural revolution.

The painter describes how he would travel all over his city in his teenage years to observe all the different oil painters he could see.

The artist talks about how art progresses and how that progression has to move slowly.

The artist talks about how in his day conversation was more lively and people weren't looking at their phones all the time.

A jolly German fellow tells us why he loves Shanghai so much. His whole life is in Shanghai, so he feels it's his second home.

Our jolly host asks some of his Beijing friends how they feel about Shanghai foreigners. He also asks how someone can come to love a city they weren't born in.

Our host continues to ask his Beijing friends why they think Beijing is better than Shanghai. Roz says that Beijing is better because the roads are easier to find.

Our host, A Fu, asks Xiaobei what his ideal place to retire is. They also confront Jared in the Hall way about where his allegiances lie when it comes to the debate about which city is better, Beijing or Shanghai.

A Fu finishes by asking a friend what they think about living in Shanghai. He says he can't stand the cold winter. We also meet A Fu's wife who explains that home is what is comfortable to you and where your parents are.