Zheng Yaqi

Zheng Yaqi, born in 1983, received an early education that differed from the traditional school system. After finishing elementary school, his father Zheng Yuanjie personally arranged his education, using personalized teaching materials and home schooling. During his elementary years, his father wrote several textbooks for him, including a set that turned the 419 criminal offenses in China's criminal law into 419 fairy tales to help children understand legal concepts. After three years of this private tutoring, Zheng Yaqi completed six years of secondary-level coursework at home and gained extensive knowledge and experience through home education.

Zheng’s working life began in 2001. His first job was carrying eggs for a supermarket, doing deliveries with an Audi A6 he had at the time; this lasted three months. He then worked in the network technology department of a Beijing newspaper from 2001 to 2004, eventually serving as director of the network technology department. In 2005, Zheng co-founded Pipilu magazine with his father Zheng Yuanjie and became its editor-in-chief. In 2007 he established the Pipilu Lecture Hall to promote youth education and legal-awareness activities.

In 2008 he founded the Zheng Yaqi Photography Studio and began working in multimedia production. In 2010 he became CEO of Beijing Pipilu Mobilization Culture & Technology Co., Ltd., leading efforts to combine culture and technology. The following year he became chairman of Beijing Zheng Yuanjie Brand Management Co., Ltd., overseeing brand operations and management.

Zheng collaborated with the Supreme People’s Procuratorate to develop a legal-education online game for children titled Pipilu and the 419 Offenses, and he gave legal-education talks at many primary schools nationwide. He was also hired by Beijing Shijia Primary School as a growth mentor for all students. In 2012 he and his father were jointly awarded the “Justice Figure” title by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. In 2013 he gave a knowledge lecture at the Second Experimental Primary School in Yanshi, Luoyang. That year he also welcomed a daughter, named Zheng Zai.

As a director, Zheng has produced multiple animated and live-action works. In 2019 he directed the 52-episode animation Shuke Beita. On September 30, 2021 his film Pipilu and Luxixi: The Canned Little People was released. On December 30, 2023 he directed the film Shuke Beita: The Pentagonal Flying Saucer. On October 1, 2024 the animated film Pipilu and Luxixi: 309 Dark Room, which he wrote and directed, was scheduled for release during the National Day holiday. These works aim to continue and expand his influence in fairy tales and animation.

Zheng Yaqi serves as the legal representative and an executive for several companies, including Beijing Pipilu Mobilization Culture & Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Long-Time-No-See Film & Animation Co., Ltd., and Hangzhou Fairy Tale King Film Co., Ltd. He continues to develop across culture, education, and film industries, focusing on youth development and cultural heritage.