Taiwan influencer's livestreaming trip to mainland sparks buzz online, exposes DPP misinformation

BEIJING/TAIPEI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan internet influencer Chen Chih-han is livestreaming his personal six-day visit to the mainland to challenge the misleading and often negative image painted by some forces on the island, revealing a reality far different from the rhetoric many in Taiwan have been fed.

One objective of his trip is to fact-check a recent claim made by a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official on a political talk show, who questioned whether high-speed rail seats on the mainland even have backrests.

"I want to see it for myself, and let the people see it too," Chen told reporters at the Taipei airport before his departure on Tuesday, promising full transparency.

Chen, better known as "Guan Zhang" or "gym boss," said the journey, which will take him to Shanghai and Hangzhou, is entirely self-funded.

Once Chen landed in Shanghai, the livestream began, quickly gaining momentum. Within hours, more than 270,000 people were eagerly watching him ride the maglev train, check into his hotel, and walk the city streets. At one point, late into the night, the livestream was still drawing over 130,000 viewers. Several clips of the livestreaming trip have trended on social media.

During the train ride, Chen pointed to the backrests on every seat, saying, "Come out and face this." It was a direct jab at DPP politicians, who misrepresent the mainland to people in Taiwan, according to Chen.

On Wednesday morning, he continued his tour with a visit to Shanghai's bustling Xujiahui commercial district, where he was left in awe of the city's impressive skyline.

"Don't hesitate, come to Shanghai and take a look," he urged. "Don't just watch my livestream. Come travel here, see the cars, the buildings, and how people live. If you only listen to what the DPP says, you'll never know the truth."

The livestream's comment section has been flooded with reactions from viewers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with many thanking him for showcasing the mainland's progress and calling for stronger cross-Strait exchanges.

One viewer in Taiwan who had lived on the mainland for eight years wrote, "I hope this livestream can reach people who still hold biases -- it's really not what you think."

"As a young person from Taiwan, I felt really moved watching the livestream, and never imagined cross-Strait interactions could be so friendly," said another internet user.

Surveys showed that more than half of Taiwan people have never been to the mainland, the Taipei-based China Times reported in one article. The DPP, along with its affiliates and media pundits who control a large share of media resources, has long belittled and demonized the mainland.

"That's why the mainland, as shown through the livestream, has come across as novel -- even surprising -- to many Taiwan viewers. They're seeing a version of the mainland that's completely different from the DPP's usual messaging and narratives," the article read.

"We welcome all Taiwan compatriots, including online influencers, to experience the mainland, including its food, transport and development, and share their impressions objectively," Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said when responding to a media inquiry about Chen's trip during a regular press conference on Wednesday.

As Chen continues his livestream, with a stop in Hangzhou still ahead, his journey is drawing close attention, particularly from viewers in Taiwan eager to see an unfiltered view of the mainland.

He said he wants to see more of the mainland. "There's so much I want to see. I want to visit every major city, like Shenzhen and Chongqing." ■