Recently, a video of a Beijing tourist sharing his thoughts on traveling to Taiwan has sparked heated discussions online. The tourist, who goes by the name “Old Beijing Man,” detailed his observations in Taiwan in the video, stating that the trip had “completely overturned his perception” and expressing his admiration by saying, “Others live with dignity.”
In the video, the tourist mentioned that he felt a significant difference the moment he set foot on Taiwanese soil. He was amazed by the cleanliness of the airport facilities. What surprised him even more was when the taxi driver took a detour to show him the night view of Taipei and refused to accept extra payment, leaving him feeling touched and emotional.
The experiences during his stay were equally unforgettable. The owner of the homestay presented him with homemade pineapple cakes daily and specially prepared soy milk and fried dough sticks for him. When he offered to pay extra, the host politely declined, saying, “Guests are always welcomed, this gesture is just a small token of hospitality.”
During his interaction with the host, the tourist learned that the host is an ordinary office worker with a monthly income of about 15,000 RMB, yet he enjoys a high-quality life. According to the host, “In Taiwan, medical treatment is almost free, there are subsidies for children’s education, and there is even a pension for the elderly, with minimal stress.”
The tourist particularly observed the grassroots infrastructure in Taiwan. He noted that the rural environment is even cleaner than the city, with parks equipped with well-maintained accessible ramps where wheelchairs can easily roll on. At the night market, the warmth of the stall owners moved him, as he mentioned, “An aunty vendor saw that I was from out of town and insisted on adding an extra braised egg to my bowl without charging me.”
Reflecting on his travel experience, the tourist concluded, “That’s true civilization and true prosperity, the key is that people truly live with dignity.” He expressed that this trip “thoroughly cleansed my heart, which had been blinded for decades,” and the warmth of the people in Taiwan “reminded me of the feelings from my childhood in the alleys of Beijing.”
After the video circulated on social media, it sparked widespread discussion. Some netizens shared similar experiences, mentioning that they had visited Taiwan twice last year, emphasizing the reasonable prices, healthy and delicious cuisine, and the extra kindness and warmth of the Taiwanese, always considerate of others’ feelings. In Taiwan, they said, every day was filled with immense joy, as if both body and mind had undergone thorough relaxation.
Different netizens have varying opinions on the authenticity and representativeness of the video content, but the majority of comments agree that such grassroots exchanges demonstrate the unique value of cross-strait cultural exchanges.