Beijing, China – A vibrant series of micro-videos, capturing life in China through the eyes of foreigners, offers the world a fresh, colorful, and authentic look at the country. Home Through Their Eyes skillfully blends personal experiences with China’s rich traditions and modernization, drawing significant international attention.
Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/INWqENMr3Js?feature=share
Telling a Captivating Chinese Story from Multiple Perspectives
The Home Through Their Eyes series of micro-videos takes inspiration from a creative play on words, combining the Chinese character for “appearance” (様, yàng) with the English word “young.” Through the daily experiences of foreign influencers, the series highlights China’s unique cultural richness and dynamic modern life, exploring its historical landmarks, culinary delights, intangible cultural heritage, and contemporary lifestyles.
The international students explored the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with curiosity and enthusiasm. From Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers and Qianmen Street to Tianjin’s authentic snacks, and from the ancient city walls of Guangfu in Handan, Hebei Province, to the birthplace of Chen-style Tai Chi, their journey captures China’s charm in every detail.
In the episode Traveling China’s High-Speed Rail: So Easy, they experience the comfort and convenience of China’s high-speed rail, witnessing firsthand how technology has revolutionized travel. In Walking Through Bell and Drum Towers: A Journey of Timeless Warmth, they participate in morning exercises, savor authentic Beijing breakfasts, and immerse themselves in the daily life along the city’s historic central axis. In Learning Tai Chi in the Ancient City of Guangfu, they travel to Guangfu, an ancient city in Handan, where they don the red robes of the Warring States Period, gracefully learning Tai Chi and exploring the balance of yin and yang. In Both Smelly and Aromatic: Immersive Experience in Alternative Chinese Medicine, they try traditional Beijing douzhi (fermented soybean milk) and discover the ancient Chinese art of medicinal incense. Surprised by how these sour drinks and aromatic incense pendants reflect the wisdom of Chinese medicine, they gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. Additionally, episodes exploring the origins of Chinese opera, Kunqu, and Tianjin cuisine provide a visual and culinary feast. Each episode blends the personal perspectives of foreign influencers with rich local cultural stories, offering audiences a refreshing and immersive cultural experience.
Interactive Engagement That Resonates
Home Through Their Eyes transcends traditional storytelling to become a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. By leveraging international social platforms, the creative team released teaser videos and launched the hashtag #这様家乡. This sparked online conversations and encouraged viewers from diverse backgrounds to share their impressions of China. Many of them expressed curiosity and admiration for China’s scenery, cuisine, and traditions.
From Cultural Exchange to Heartfelt Connections
Through their enthusiasm and curiosity, the international students bring the warmth and vitality of Chinese culture to life for a global audience. This “friend’s perspective” narrative offers a unique opportunity for more people to rediscover and better understand China – a nation that blends a rich historical and cultural heritage with modernity and diversity – through their eyes. “We hope that through these videos, the world can appreciate the beauty of China’s everyday life.” “From traditional culture to modern living, there are countless stories in China that are worth exploring and sharing.” These sentiments reflect the heartfelt emotions of the international students who created the videos.
As cultural exchanges deepen, the Home Through Their Eyes micro-video series has inspired more people to explore China and experience its cultural allure and modern vitality.