“We’ve known Angelico Hu for a few years now. He used to live in Europe and then moved to China during the Covid era. What started as a kid throwing a clean kickflip slowly turned into a full-on trick machine hitting spots most of us only dream of skating.
We reached out to him to understand what it really means to be a skateboarder in China because, let’s be honest, when we talk skateboarding we all look at the Good Ol’ USA or at old Europe. When we point our noses East—or West, depends where you’re standing (yeah, do you know the Earth is round, right?)—our attention usually stops at the super-technical Japanese skaters.
Be honest: how many Chinese skateboarders can you actually name? Thanks to Angelico’s videos, and those of his crew, we’re starting to see that our far-away friends are leveling up, and that Chinese skateboarding isn’t just federations and contests. There’s a real movement out there hitting insane spots we’d love to have outside our homes.
Keep pushing”
Hey Angelico, how are you? And what should we call you—Angelico or Hu Haonan?
Everything’s good, thanks! How are you guys? Honestly it’s whatever, call me whichever is easier for you haha.
Can you explain why you have an Italian name even though your parents are Chinese?
Good question. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure—I never asked. But I think it’s because it was easier for Italians to understand and pronounce. A lot of Chinese people in Italy—and probably in Europe too—give themselves unofficial Italian names so locals can refer to them more easily.
You were born and raised in Italy, then moved to China. How did that happen?
I went back during Covid, in 2020. Many Chinese living abroad did the same. When the borders reopened I returned to Italy, but then everything closed again at the end of 2020 and in 2021, so I went back to China and moved there for good.
Did you bring your skateboard to China?
Not in 2020. I only brought my board when I moved permanently in 2021. Basically I didn’t skate for more than a year because I didn’t have my deck.
Was it hard to adapt to the new lifestyle?
It was hard at the beginning because I could only speak a dialect from another region—the one my parents speak. After a year I finally learned proper Chinese and could communicate, so I integrated pretty well.
Once you got back to your parents’ homeland, what were you doing? Studying? Working?
Technically, I was supposed to attend classes online, but at the time I didn’t know you needed a VPN… so let’s just say I didn’t study.
Biggest difference between Chinese and European skateboarding?
The biggest difference is that at most spots nobody kicks you out, so you can skate almost anywhere.
What’s skateboarding like in China?
The skateboarding boom in China is just beginning, but the 10–11 year-olds are insanely good… like too good!
How hard is it to skate in China? Can you make a living?
Skateboarding isn’t seen negatively here, it’s growing. Usually nobody kicks you out and there are no fines. Making a living isn’t easy, but possible depending on your lifestyle—sponsors, social media, maybe ad campaigns.
“The skateboarding boom in China is just beginning, but the 10–11 year-olds are insanely good… like too good!”
Who should people follow?
Are there Chinese pros? What’s the market like?
Yes, there are Chinese pros. Quality of products is medium-high. There are fakes too, but I don’t know who uses them.
What about media?
Mostly social media—YouTube, TikTok, Instagram. Faster to share footage and communicate.
Tricks you can’t land?
Heelflips haha. I can do them switch but not regular.
What kind of skateboarding is most appreciated locally?
Mostly street. Companies and parents push contests a lot. The new generation is progressing insanely fast.
Your style: natural or hard work?
I improved little by little, also thanks to a filmer friend (lusk8.cn) who pushes me and suggests tricks—like Heelflips haha.
“Mostly street. Companies and parents push contests a lot. The new generation is progressing insanely fast.“
You skate a lot!
I wake up, coffee, skate street until dark. Then skatepark, then gym. Little partying, lots of skating.
Important cities for Chinese skateboarding?
How does the government invest in competitive skateboarding?
I’m not very informed; I skate street and don’t go to contests. I know there are regional contests and parks, but federation skating and street skating are separate worlds.
What city did you move to? What’s the scene like?
Shanghai. The scene is active. Two main meetup points: Bingjian and Qibao. If you come skate here, go to those spots and you’ll find people.
Photo credits: Yuzhi Shawn , Guillermo Fleitas
