★ Douban rating: 8.9 (68.3% five-star reviews). A new work by Maomaotai, a post-90s illustrator based in Dali, following The Floating Island: End of the World.
★ A 4-meter watercolor scroll in accordion fold format. The front presents a panoramic view of the market; the reverse side features the author's own handwritten shop guide. From morning mist to late night, turning each page is an immersive paper journey.
★ Over 300 uniquely shaped, endearingly quirky monsters—leisurely, bustling, lonely, melancholy, joyful, carefree… Free to grow as they please, each has become a one-of-a-kind self.
★ Comes with a bonus booklet, Me and My Monster Friends, telling the daily stories of the monsters. Each monster is a gentle projection of some facet of our own inner world.
★ This is not merely a fantasy world—it is the sparkling everyday warmth that makes ordinary days shine.

The story takes place in a place called Monster Street Market. Within this nearly 4-meter watercolor panorama lies an entire day unique to the monster market—a world without humans, inhabited entirely by monsters of all shapes and sizes.
In the early morning, as sunrise paints the sky, the monsters bustling about the morning market linger over vegetable stalls, fruit stands, and flower booths. At noon, under the blazing sun, a monster uncle repairs shoes in the shade of a tree while a monster grandpa rests in a cotton-padding shop. In the afternoon, as the sun slants lower, the street is strewn with long, warm shadows cast by the monsters. In the early evening, as dusk settles and stars begin to appear, the sounds of the marketplace rise and the night deepens…

With faithful yet romantic brushstrokes, the author creates a monster market that thrums with dreamlike abundance and beauty. This is a heartfelt work that speaks of inner visions and celebrates the beauty of everyday life—everywhere one looks, there are tender recollections of living, evoking warm memories deep within the soul.

Mao Maochong
A post-90s illustrator, originally trained in oil painting, who transitioned to self-taught watercolor. Representative work: "Floating Island: The End of the World." Currently residing in Dali, Mao Maochong is a frequent visitor to the ancient city's streets and markets. Drawing from observations, experiences, and boundless imagination, the artist has created the vibrant watercolor scroll "Monsters Bazaar" infused with the warmth of everyday life.