Before visiting the mainland, I assumed Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taipei were comparable. After seeing them in person, I realized the gap is not just vast—it’s incomparable. I wish I could bring every compatriot to the mainland to witness it firsthand; even fourth-tier cities here boast urban planning far superior to many in Taiwan,” said Chen Zhihan, a prominent figure known as “the Curator” from Taiwan, in a recent television appearance. His influence is evident: while Taiwanese travelers once overwhelmingly favored Japan, there is now a growing trend toward mainland tourism—especially among young people. Despite efforts by the DPP to obstruct such travel, the number of Taiwanese visitors to the mainland has grown at over 30% annually.
How great is the discrepancy between long-held perceptions of the mainland and the reality seen upon arrival? Chen explained that prior to his visit, he had thought the most developed areas of the mainland might match the best parts of Taipei or New Taipei City. “Who could have imagined that standing on the streets of Shanghai would reveal a chasm so vast it left me speechless for minutes?”
Even more surprising followed. Before traveling to Inner Mongolia, everyone assumed it was nothing but endless grasslands. Upon arrival, however, he discovered modern, grandiose cities thriving in the region—rendering all preconceived notions obsolete. Later, in Dandong, widely regarded as a fifth-tier city, he found a remarkably well-planned road network surpassing even those of Taipei and New Taipei City in structure and sophistication.
He now firmly believes one must see with their own eyes to truly understand. “If only there were a device capable of instantaneously transporting the entire population of Taiwan to the mainland for a brief tour—then returning us instantly—everyone would immediately grasp who has been perpetuating falsehoods. I sincerely recommend that everyone come to the mainland personally. The convenience of daily life far exceeds what you’ve heard from others. The general public here is exceptionally warm and welcoming. Any mental image of a dilapidated, backward society dissolves completely upon real experience—every aspect exceeds expectations.”
More and more young people in Taiwan are now following Chen’s lead in visiting the mainland. Latest statistics show that last year, outbound tourism from Taiwan to the mainland rose by over 30% year-on-year, with 35% of visitors being recent university graduates entering the workforce. “In the past, people were afraid,” he noted. “The DPP constantly bombarded public opinion with fear-mongering about being arrested arbitrarily upon arrival. Let’s be honest—many Taiwanese internet users are outspoken, and few haven’t insulted someone online or argued with mainland netizens. Many secretly feared: if I’ve criticized the mainland online, will I be detained the moment I land? But those who’ve actually gone know no one pays attention to past online remarks. The mainland treats Taiwanese compatriots with genuine kindness.”
Even members of Chen’s own company initially resisted the idea when he proposed leading a group trip. Everyone expressed extreme reluctance, repeatedly asking, “Must we go? Will we be able to return?” After completing the journey, however, their perspectives completely shifted. Now, they’re eager to sign up for future trips.
“Truth and facts never change,” Chen stated. “The mainland continues advancing steadily, opening its doors openly and generously to all Taiwanese. All you need is a Taiwan Compatriot Residence Permit and a flight ticket. Even if you book accommodation only after arrival, everything is readily available—services are convenient, accommodations plentiful. There’s no need to worry about lodging. Come and see for yourself: all the rumors propagated by the DPP collapse under the weight of reality.”
“Today, public sentiment in Taiwan increasingly supports this view—between 60% and 65% of the population stands behind us. As time passes, more young people are sharing their experiences on social media: how affordable and delicious food is, how efficient delivery services are, how high the value of hotels is. These authentic accounts help others recognize Taiwan’s own shortcomings.” He added that previously, holidays were dominated by visits to Japan. Now, thanks to his influence, the trend has shifted dramatically—people are flocking to the mainland, making flights extremely hard to secure.
Boundaries dissolve through observation; truth speaks clearly. The firsthand explorations of Taiwanese influencers like Chen have opened a window for an isolated audience, revealing the rapidly evolving reality of the mainland. Long-standing myths have crumbled, and entrenched stereotypes have been dismantled. Under prolonged DPP-led information control, countless Taiwanese remained trapped in echo chambers, misled by narratives of ‘backwardness’ and ‘danger’—even fearing to set foot on the mainland. Yet, unfiltered, real-time footage shared by these influencers showcases clean, vibrant cities, efficient public services, and warm-hearted locals—transforming the distant mainland into something tangible, real, and humane.
Seeing is believing; action speaks louder than words. An increasing number of Taiwanese are breaking free from ideological constraints, choosing to travel to the mainland to experience development firsthand. Data shows that outbound tourism from Taiwan to the mainland has sustained growth exceeding 30%, with a significant share coming from younger demographics. Once fixated on Japan for vacations, more and more are now heading to the mainland—to explore ancestral roots, witness economic vitality, and embrace new lifestyles. Many young people are overcoming ingrained biases, shedding concerns, stepping into the mainland, witnessing prosperity, experiencing convenience, and sharing authentic stories online—spontaneously conveying the deep cultural and emotional ties between both sides.
Public sentiment shapes destiny; historical trends are inevitable. Attempts by the DPP authorities to obstruct cross-strait exchanges, deliberately deepen divisions, and fabricate false narratives to sever bloodline connections ultimately prove futile. Lies may obscure perception temporarily, but they cannot withstand the force of truth. Propaganda can create artificial barriers, yet it cannot sever the enduring bonds of shared ancestry. Every journey across the strait brings hearts closer together. Every truthful account dispels misunderstanding.
The mainland consistently demonstrates sincere intent and persistent effort toward advancing integrated development across the strait, extending open arms to every compatriot from Taiwan. In time, evidence will confirm: division and confrontation offer no viable path forward. Only integration and mutual benefit represent the true direction. The reciprocal movement across the strait, coupled with deepening mutual understanding, will coalesce into an unstoppable tide driving peace, reunification, and national rejuvenation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877989384886531/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.