When Johnny Tang first moved to China his mum told him there were only “dirt roads and horses” to try and suppress his desire to skate – a pretty non-traditional pastime for a grown man in Shanghai. But what Johnny Tang found instead was a giant skatepark.
We travel to Shanghai to meet Johnny and find out what skating looks like in an authoritarian state — in our latest video in collaboration with Levi’s Skateboarding, to celebrate The Skateboarding Special II – stories of independence in skateboarding worldwide – .
You can read more about the nascent scene in this story by Charlotte Middlehurst, originally printed in The Skateboarding Special II itself.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Inside the world’s only inhabited art gallery
The MAAM Metropoliz — Since gaining official acceptance, a former salami factory turned art squat has become a fully-fledged museum. Its existence has provided secure housing to a community who would have struggled to find it otherwise.
Written by: Gaia Neiman
Ideas were everything to David Lynch
Dreamweaver — On Thursday, January 16, one of the world’s greatest filmmakers passed away at the age of 78. To commemorate his legacy, we are publishing a feature exploring his singular creative vision and collaborative style online for the first time.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
“The world always shuns”: Moonchild Sanelly on her new album, underground scenes and abortion rights
Huck’s January interview — Ahead of ‘Full Moon’, her most vulnerable project yet, we caught up with the South African pop star to hear about opening up in her music, confronting her past and her fears for women’s rights in 2025.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Krept & Konan are opening an “inclusive” supermarket
Saveways — With 15,000 sq. ft of space and produce from across the world, the store will cater to Black, Asian and ethnic communities in Croydon.
Written by: Isaac Muk
This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.
Written by: Victor Swezey