A scene of the band's January performance in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Referring to how the band has influenced his life, Yang, who has a doctorate from Beihang University and is now a structural engineer in the same institute as Dong, says the part-time music career has brought a new purpose to his life.

The band's latest hit single is titled Blooming Days, and Guo, the lead vocalist who has written the song, says his life is in full bloom.

"The present is good - and we'd like to cherish the moment instead of merely waiting for good prospects in the future."

As for whether they will go full-time into music, Guo, an entrepreneur who has his own culture and media company, says they may not be able to enjoy what they are doing if they have to earn a living from it.

"We want to remain true to our original aspiration, that is to express our feelings rather than cater to the mainstream market," he says.

Such an attitude to music and life may partly explain why Li Yuannan, a 20-year-old student from Beijing Forestry University, loves the band.

Li says despite its popularity the band members treat the fans like friends, adding that sometimes they help her deal with life problems through blogs on social media platforms such as Sina Weibo.

Speaking on what she finds attractive about the band, she says: "To us fans, they are six well-educated brothers and sisters who lead an enviable lifestyle, showing us how to strike a balance between work and life," says Li.

"We find strength in their songs, which unveil the possibilities for us."