Rediscovering Mainland China through a personal experience

Taiwanese students ski at a ski resort in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province, Jan. 25, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Recently, internet personality Chung Ming-hsuan, originally from the island of Taiwan, made headlines with his transformative experiences during his visit to the northeastern region of mainland China.

Known for his previous support for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, Chung’s change in outlook after his mainland trips has drawn both praise and criticism across the island of Taiwan.

Faced with criticism from some DPP supporters, Chung responded: “I feel free when I tell the truth.” His videos depict a modern, developed continent where daily life is characterized by efficiency and warmth.

Chung’s journey is an example of the power of direct experience to reshape perceptions. In his videos, he enthusiastically praises mainland China’s friendly people, delicious cuisine, clean environment and convenient lifestyle. His observations stand in stark contrast to the negative narratives often propagated about the mainland in Taiwan’s media and political circles.

Chung’s interactions with local people illustrate the deep ties and mutual respect between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and understanding.

The significance of Chung’s journey goes beyond personal revelation. It underscores the importance of breaking down information barriers that often isolate Taiwanese society from a nuanced understanding of the mainland.

His first-hand accounts challenge misconceptions and encourage more people from Taiwan, especially young people, to engage directly with the mainland, fostering a more comprehensive and empathetic view.

In March, Chung visited Beijing and Shanghai for the first time, sharing online his experiences of traveling by high-speed train, using mobile payments and exploring Beijing’s traditional alleyways, or hutong. He said the trip changed his perception of the mainland, saying: “I really like this place.”

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told reporters in a press release: “Seeing is believing.” He encouraged Taiwanese people, especially young people, to go to the mainland themselves to find their own answers rather than relying on biased information or rumors.

He stressed that the answers may be diverse but fundamentally different from what pro-Taiwan independence forces and some media figures claim. For example, Chen noted that the mainland’s high-speed trains are equipped with backrest seats, and its people can not only afford to eat tea, eggs and pickled vegetables, but also live well. Moreover, the mainland is progressive and interesting, and its people are warm and friendly, as Chung described, saying: “It has good food, developed cities and enthusiastic people.”

“I want to emphasize that the continent is not scary,” Chen said.

“Those who create an information cocoon on the island and smear the mainland are the ones who are truly scary. The mainland is not backward, but those who talk nonsense with their eyes open and spit out lies are the ones who are truly backward,” Chen said.

Chung’s story reminds us that perceptions are not fixed; they can evolve with exposure to new perspectives. By drawing on diverse sources of information and first-hand experiences, Taiwanese society can move beyond confrontational rhetoric toward more constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

It is also a call for Taiwanese people to explore beyond what is familiar to them and discover the multifaceted reality of mainland China, paving the way for a more enlightened and peaceful future across the Taiwan Strait.

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