Barber's background gives him cutting edge over rivals

YINCHUAN — In the city of Yinchuan, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, 60-year-old calligrapher-turned-barber, Ren Zhanping, is making waves with his distinctive approach to grooming.

Ren, who caters to a dozen clients daily, believes that grooming brings a radiant perspective to life.

Ren had been a barber in his youth, and then parted ways with the trade, before picking up his old profession again three years ago as he entered his elder years.

"I once worked for an advertisement agency, writing shop brand names and painting pictures on the wall, but the trade has become too competitive with the advent of the digital age," he says.

Ren's calligraphy skills, honed since childhood, have given him a unique edge in wielding the razor.