Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“Help! Dad flew to Shenyang alone!”
“He doesn’t know how to use Alipay or WeChat, and he’s not even good with his phone in Taiwan,”
“He only took cash,”
“He’s already on the plane now”…
Recently, a post asking for help from a Taiwanese netizen on the Xiaohongshu platform caused a heated reaction and discussion in the comments: “Has Uncle arrived yet? Should I meet him?”, “It’s okay, he won’t get lost!”, “I’m a local, contact me if anything happens.”
A solo Taiwanese traveller and an online message sent from across the strait began the story of touching concern shown by mainland internet users.
Seven months ago, Taipei resident Chen Zhaohong and his wife took their first trip to Shenyang, accompanied by their daughter. The leisurely pace of life and affordable delicacies inspired him to return here after retirement for a “deep dive” into the local culture. And so, in the middle of this month, his journey began.
Chen Zhaohong, 61, is “not very good with his phone and doesn’t know how to use social apps.” That’s why his daughter in Taiwan was very worried when her father went on a trip alone. Neither father nor daughter expected such warm support from the entire city of Shenyang that followed the post online. To ensure that the guest didn’t get lost on the way to his pre-booked accommodation, local netizens posted detailed guides “accurate to the meter”; concerned about his lack of a travel plan, they began leaving recommendations in the comments for visiting “secret” attractions and the best restaurants in the city; remembering that upon arrival in the north, a resident of a warm region may not immediately adapt to the northern climate, users reported weather information and clothing advice in real time… More than 4,000 comments turned into countless touching and useful recommendations.
While traveling around Shenyang, Chen Zhaohong noticed that any problems that arose were quickly resolved. He told his daughter that the locals were friendly, sincere, and open: “Even just walking along the streets is a pleasure.”
“I visited a lot of museums this time!” Chen Zhaohong visited five museums in seven days. At the Shenyang Palace Complex, he took a photo with ancient blue and white Qinghua porcelain in the background. At the Shenyang Museum of Chinese Industry, the old workshops and equipment made him feel nostalgic. At the September 18th History Museum, thanks to a tour guide, he learned details about important historical events of the past for the first time.
Chen Zhaohong also immersed himself in the daily life of Shenyang, pushing his way through the crowds of bustling morning markets and farmers’ markets, sampling fluffy steamed buns and crispy pancakes; chatting with vendors at a flower, bird and fish market, observing the locals’ daily lives; and visiting Beiling Park, where he saw elderly people writing poetry with water, beautifully writing characters on the ground with a brush.
He tried all the local delicacies: chicken carcasses, shashlik, stews cooked in cast iron pots – and only repeated with a smile: “The only problem is that the portions are too big!”
More than twenty years ago, Chen Zhaohong had the chance to visit Nanjing, Hangzhou and do home care in Dongguan. Years later, a return visit to Shenyang left a huge impression on him: “Mainland China has changed a lot – it has become more modern, and people’s living standards have improved significantly.”
“It’s impossible to see all the sights of Shenyang in a few days! Let’s leave something for next time,” – before leaving, he did not return the remaining amount on the metro card, saying: “I’ll leave it for a future trip.”