Xiao Shan Going Home

The narrative follows Xiao Shan, a temporary worker at the Hongyuan Restaurant, who faces the stark reality of being fired. In an attempt to reconnect with his roots, he embarks on a journey back to Anyang, encountering various individuals living in Beijing, including construction workers and university students. However, his efforts to persuade them to return with him prove fruitless.

As Xiao Shan navigates his past relationships, he grapples with feelings of confusion and despair. Ultimately, he leaves behind his wild long hair at a roadside barber, symbolizing his departure from city life and a poignant farewell to Beijing. This film serves as a significant representation of Jia Zhangke's style and thematic concerns, marking an important entry in 1990s Chinese cinema.