“Today marks our third day in Xi’an, and we’re here to see the Terracotta Warriors – it’s truly spectacular!” This autumn, Taiwanese content creator Li Weizhen, known as “Weiwei Water Boy,” has returned to the ancient capital of Xi’an with eight family members for a long-awaited family trip. On social media, he’s sharing the journey through Vlogs, frequently using terms like “eye-opening.”
Recently, several Taiwanese short video influencers have been exploring various regions of mainland China, capturing the stunning natural landscapes and cultural landmarks in their videos. Many of them expressed a desire for more Taiwanese audiences to learn about the mainland through their content, encouraging them to experience the local culture firsthand.
Li Weizhen, who previously traveled to Xi’an alone two years ago, organized this trip specifically to revisit after flying in family from Taiwan. To ensure they could visit popular attractions such as the Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an City Wall, and the Xi’an Stele Forest Museum, he secured tickets a week in advance.
During the trip, Li’s favorite experience was watching the live historical dance drama “Chang Hen Ge” at Huaqing Palace. “When the opening lights illuminated the stage, my family and I were completely blown away. Such a magnificent and impressive performance is quite rare in Taiwan,” he shared. He even splurged on front-row tickets, noting that the immersive experience felt almost like traveling back to the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
Compared to his previous visit, Li noticed significant growth in both the number of tourists and performances, while the warmth of the local people remained unchanged. He frequently encountered residents eager to offer directions. Along with the visual feast, the family indulged in local delicacies like roujiamo (meat burger), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and oil-splashed noodles, leaving Xi’an with plenty of chili oil to share with friends back in Taiwan.
Crossing the Yellow River and heading east from Shaanxi takes you to Shanxi, another province rich in cultural relics. The recent buzz around the Mainland game “Black Myth: Wukong” has sparked interest in its scenic locations, many of which showcase Shanxi’s ancient architecture. Zhu Jiayi, who runs the short video account “Taiwan嫩草” (Taiwan Young Grass), traveled there with a childhood friend, inspired by the game.
Stepping into the Xiaoxitian Scenic Area in Linfen, they marveled at the craftsmanship from centuries ago, describing the ancient hanging sculptures as the pinnacle of “extreme complexity.” At Hukou Waterfall, they experienced firsthand the poetic imagery of the Yellow River’s majestic flow, with Zhu’s friend appreciating the essence of Li Bai’s famous lines. From the vantage point of Guanque Tower, they grasped the meaning of “to gain a broader view, one must climb a level higher.”
Zhu Jiayi learned that even before Shanxi’s rising popularity, cultural heritage workers quietly safeguarded the ancient sites. With the growing recognition of local history and culture, she felt delighted for their efforts. Zhu is currently launching a project to “challenge 100 young Taiwanese to visit the mainland,” with early participants already on board. She hopes to invite more netizens and first-time visitors to explore the mainland, turning their journeys into a memorable introduction to the culture.
Earlier this year, Zhong Pinqiao, a post-00s Taiwanese girl now living in Northeast China, embraced a new identity as the “Cultural Tourism Ambassador for Shenyang.” Proud of her new role, she showcases her love for the Northeast’s customs and hospitality on her Douyin account, “Taiwan Little Qiao Sister.” “My sense of happiness and belonging is really high here; even though winters can be harsh, my heart feels warm,” she described.
As the local cultural ambassador, Zhong shares videos related to Northeast China: strolling through Shenyang Palace in traditional attire, visiting Sofia Church, savoring classic dishes like spicy hot pot and chicken racks, and experiencing local bathing culture.
In the comment section of her posts, many mainland viewers express gratitude, saying, “Thank you for promoting my hometown.” Zhong replies, “I’m not doing it for the views; I genuinely love this place and want more people to know about it.” She believes that her sentiments reflect a broader vision shared by many Taiwanese short video influencers who spontaneously promote the beauty and warmth of the mainland.
