Wuhan: Gut drones, livestreams and T-Rex

Douyu's main office exudes youth.

Four sets of swings with ropes wrapped in fake vines dangle from the ceiling in the common area, where staffers can sit to discuss work. Or, they can talk shop over billiards. And there's an exercise bike in case they need to blow off steam or simply keep up with their cardio.

Employees' desks are covered with stuffed animals, balloons and plastic action figures.

I joined 24-year-old Jia Yi, whose livestreams on Douyu get tens of thousands of viewers apiece, to sing the classic Chinese folk song, The Moon Represents My Heart, as a duet.

Jia earns up to 30,000 yuan a month because she's a talented vocalist. I'm a horrible singer. But our 14-minute stream received 27,000 views, nonetheless.

"I studied media and advertising in university," says Jia, who started her Douyu host account 10 months ago.

"But I enjoy doing this. I don't have another job."

We did the stream in her apartment.

But many web celebs who film outside of Optics Valley's homes or pro studios stream from its pedestrian street－a visually … unique backdrop.

A life-size T-Rex statue appears to chase a giraffe past Greek sculptures atop a German-style building.

Spider-Man prepares to shoot web at a turret of an Italian-style castle next to statues of newlyweds in front of a fake Cathedral, the valley's non-religious Church of Youth.

The Seven Dwarves－of Snow White fame－are perched on the roof of Thomas the Train, who choochoos past a real plane parked on the road, next to suits of medieval armor and thrones.

Lederhosen-clad statues dance and play instruments next to giant beer steins. Jacky Chan appears as a large nesting doll.

And cosplay kids cavort, dressed as soldiers, bears and milkmaids.