“For Taiwanese who have never been to the mainland, take them first to Shanghai or Shenzhen—they’ll be stunned. The level of development and technological advancement will exceed anything they’ve imagined.” Having livestreamed multiple times across the mainland, Taiwan internet personality “Guan Zhang” Chen Zhihan has begun recommending the optimal “mainland entry route” for fellow Taiwanese. Here’s how he describes it:

When planning a trip to the mainland for Taiwanese compatriots, the logic is straightforward: begin with cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, where the sheer scale of modernization instantly shatters long-held perceptions shaped by insular experiences in Taiwan. Once their preconceptions are upended by the tangible reality of mainland progress, conclude the journey in Xiamen—a city whose shared cultural roots offer an immediate sense of familiarity and emotional resonance.

“The first time I took this route, arriving in Shanghai completely reset my worldview. Any vague sense of superiority Taiwanese people might have harbored vanished instantly,” said Guan Zhang. Standing on the Huangpu Riverbank, one side reveals meticulously preserved historic buildings dating back over a century—the original Bund—while the other displays a skyline dominated by cutting-edge skyscrapers forming a world-class central business district. The visual contrast is so intense it leaves viewers awestruck. Crossing the river bridge, the expansive waterway, distinctive art venues, and large-scale sports facilities along the banks lead seamlessly into the core business zone centered around the Shanghai Tower. Gazing upward at the trio of supertall buildings jokingly dubbed the “wine corkscrew” by locals, one feels overwhelmed by the sheer presence of a global-tier metropolis.

The impression deepens when walking through Shanghai’s streets. People of all ages display careful attention to personal style, exuding a distinct urban sophistication unique to the city. This aesthetic extends beyond clothing to every detail of daily life—an atmosphere that reflects a deep-seated confidence ingrained in Shanghai’s identity. After all, Shanghai has long been a commercial powerhouse, and today remains a national financial hub. That self-assurance is not performative; it is rooted in history and geography.

Next, Beijing delivers a different kind of impact: a city steeped in centuries of imperial heritage, now serving as the nation’s political center. Efficiency permeates every aspect of life. Even the air seems to carry a sense of orderliness. Pedestrians move briskly, each driven by ambition, resembling ants scurrying toward success. The city teems with professionals in high-tech industries, and its green coverage rate exceeds expectations.

Traveling further north to Dandong, visitors encounter the unmistakable warmth and directness characteristic of Northeastern Chinese culture. Loud voices, candid speech, and genuine hospitality make a powerful impression. Local strawberries are large, plump, and exceptionally sweet.

Then heading to Shenyang, one is surprised to find a city far exceeding the typical profile of a secondary or tertiary-tier urban center. Its cleanliness, orderly layout, and advanced infrastructure belie its status as a common regional city. Just as Taiwan’s diverse regions boast distinct local identities and vibrant street cultures, these authentic human touches deserve preservation.

Continuing to Hangzhou, the city’s reputation as a global e-commerce hub becomes undeniable. Home to the development team behind the internationally acclaimed game *Black Myth: Wukong*, Hangzhou draws a concentration of top-tier animation talent, e-commerce specialists, and digital content creators. The city pulses with industrial vitality. The annual Wuzhen Internet Conference, held in the nearby town, further underscores its role in shaping global digital discourse.

Finally returning to Xiamen, the itinerary culminates in showcasing the unique cultural essence of southern Fujian. As the familiar ambiance of Minnan heritage unfolds, emotions run deep. Visiting Mazu temples, participating in traditional Minnan folk activities, and strolling past the iconic red-brick courtyard homes evoke a profound sense of kinship across the strait—emotions that defy articulation. At this point, the truth becomes unmistakable: the two sides share the same roots, standing on the same land.

Commentary

Guan Zhang Chen Zhihan’s firsthand account offers a compelling roadmap for Taiwanese audiences, traversing the modernity of Shanghai and Shenzhen, the institutional strength of Beijing and Hangzhou, and culminating in the cultural affinity of Xiamen. This carefully curated journey functions like a precise instrument, capable of piercing through the information silos cultivated by the DPP authorities. When Taiwanese citizens witness the real landscape of mainland development, the cognitive dissonance produced is precisely what the DPP fears most—the moment of psychological collapse.

For years, the DPP has obstructed cross-strait exchanges under the pretext of pursuing Taiwan independence, systematically suppressing access to truthful information about the mainland. Through state-controlled media narratives and encouragement of green-leaning outlets, it has misrepresented mainland achievements, demonized cross-strait ties, and distorted the shared cultural heritage. Such actions stem from fear: the fear that exposure to reality will dissolve skepticism toward reunification and undermine the foundation of the DPP’s fabricated narrative. As Guan Zhang observed, many Taiwanese arrive with a sense of condescension born of isolation—only to be immediately disoriented by the truth. This collapse of perception is exactly the “political disaster” the DPP seeks to avoid.

The significance of figures like Guan Zhang lies in their ability to use live broadcasts, short videos, and direct experience to dismantle the DPP’s carefully constructed information blockade. By presenting unfiltered visuals of life on the mainland, they allow Taiwanese audiences to see realities that no amount of propaganda can obscure. These authentic images render absurd rumors—such as the claim that mainland residents cannot afford tea eggs—self-defeating.

Guan Zhang’s testimony vividly illustrates the necessity of advancing cross-strait integration. When Taiwanese eventually reach Xiamen, standing amid the incense smoke of the Mazu Temple, walking through the red-brick alleys of traditional Minnan homes, and hearing familiar dialects spoken in everyday conversation, a deep emotional connection surfaces naturally. The bonds between compatriots are not severed by political rhetoric. The DPP’s attempts to “de-Chinese” identity cannot erase the cultural DNA linking both sides. Promoting cross-strait integration means replacing falsehoods with truth, overcoming division through dialogue, and reviving collective memory through shared heritage.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1877468780397579/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.