The most beautiful scenery of Taiwan is its people, according to a popular saying. Taiwanese people are usually seen as being extremely polite and hospitable, and over the years, a lifestyle that is refreshing, uplifting and healing has been conveyed through a number of Taiwanese musicians, writers and active community members.

Derived from the positive culture of the Taiwanese, Urban Simple Life Festival was created in 2006 in Taipei by Chang Pei-zen, one of Taiwan's most celebrated music producers who founded Magic Stone Records. The label is widely regarded as being a curtain raiser for the Chinese rock music scene.

The biennial event, which consists of a music festival, writer talks and a market, aims to promote a philosophy that says people can make a difference by doing what they enjoy.

"Urban Simple Life Festival tries to find a definition of contemporary life for young people, and presents a better outlook by being closer to nature, caring about the environment and enjoying the creative process. The festival itself, which integrates music, creative products and a lifestyle, is not simple at all," said Chang.

From October 4 to 6, the Urban Simple Life Festival is stepping out of Taiwan for the first time and extending to Shanghai, with lineup of more than 50 musical acts and an array of creative products on sale to inspire better everyday living.

Voices of the world

Compared to its previous incarnations in Taiwan, the Shanghai event will place greater emphasis on musicians from the Chinese mainland and other countries, although it will still have big names from Taiwan.

Singers Tanya Chua, Chen Chi-chen, Lee Tsung-sheng and Pu Shu Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

Singers Tanya Chua, Chen Chi-chen, Lee Tsung-sheng and Pu Shu Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

Singers Tanya Chua, Chen Chi-chen, Lee Tsung-sheng and Pu Shu Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

Singers Tanya Chua, Chen Chi-chen, Lee Tsung-sheng and Pu Shu Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

Taiwan-based musicians in attendance include Tien Fu-chen, Tanya Chua and Lin Sheng-hsiang on October 4; Chen Chi-chen and Chang Chen-yue on October 5; and Soda Green, A-mei Chang (pictured below) and Lee Tsung-sheng on October 6.

Meanwhile, musicians from the Chinese mainland include Pu Shu, who in July released his first song in 11 years, "Ping Fan Zhi Lu."

Liang Bo, winner of the first season of TV show The Voice of China in 2012 will also be appearing, as will a number of critically acclaimed folk singers such as Hao Yun, Song Dongye, Xu Wei and the band Escape Plan.

New York art punk pioneers Television, whose 1978 album Marquee Moon is still cited as a major influence on guitar bands today, will be making their Chinese debut by playing at the festival on October 5; while Australian folk-pop band Frente!, who are known for such popular hits like "Accidentally Kelly Street" and "Bizarre Love Triangle," will be taking to the stage on October 6.

Lifestyle choice

During the festival, more than 70 Taiwanese brands, most of which promote an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle and encourage creativity in daily life, will have booths through which they plan to share with visitors their attitudes toward life.

A woman poses with a handmade bag by La Yoo.

Taipei-based brand Yu Cha's tea bags;

La Yoo, a handmade bag brand set up by fashion designer Ayo Hsu and her husband director Looloo Lu, not only present award-winning colorful bags, but also teaches women in poorer areas of Taiwan and even Cambodia skills they can use to elevate their economic status.

Taipei-based brand Yu Cha is inspired by the traditional herbal soup that helps replenish energy and builds a strong body. It turns traditional herbal drinks into tea bags that can be consumed in different seasons to maintain an inner balance amid changes in season.

In the range of healthy food and drinks, visitors will also encounter vendors from organic and eco-farms offering grains, mushrooms and vegetable oils. Meanwhile, a number of designers will be on hand to share their original clothes, bags, home wares, accessories and gifts.

"More young people are choosing to create their own happiness by doing what they are fond of, and they also can make a living by doing this," Chang said. "Urban Simple Life Festival would like to grow with them and make life meaningful."

Chang will join in giving a lecture with Chinese-American architect Chang Yung-ho on October 6, at which they will share their life philosophy. Other lectures and seminars will feature distinguished writers and critics such as Leung Man-tao from Hong Kong, Chang Ta-chuen and Chang Ai-chia from Taiwan, and Er Dongqiang and Jin Yucheng from the Chinese mainland.