They are called the "super boys" and "super girls", as descriptions of achievers among China's post-1990 generation. However, a section is often tagged with stereotypes of vanity, shallowness and selfishness.

The criticism largely hasn't deterred the rise of some skilled youngsters to stardom, as evident from the multiple talent and reality TV shows across the country.

Behind their masks of confidence, however, lie faces that also seem confused, sad and sometimes angry.