Elderly students take lessons in Harbin Elderly University.[Photo by Zhou Huiying/China Daily]

Since the beginning of September, Harbin Elderly University welcomed its new students, as well as the old ones returning to campus.

Almost all seats are occupied in the popular courses, such as calligraphy, vocal music and painting.

There are also some innovative courses for the elderly, such as advanced photography and smartphones.

"In order to satisfy the diversified demands of the elderly, we set up some brand new courses, including bridge, children's adjuvant food, and so on," said a teacher in the enrollment office. "We have received more than 10,000 registrations since the middle of August."

"Few of them chose only one course," he added. "And I know one old man submitted 8 registration forms."

Tian Rui, 59, has been studying here since 2015.

"I chose Latin, vocal music and painting," she said. "In the university, we can spend time on what we are interested in. Furthermore, we have lots of good friends here, which has greatly enriched our retirement lives."