[Background] American Brian Linden is one of the earliest foreigners to study in China after the reform and opening up. He has many well-known identities: the founder of the famous boutique hotel "Xilin Garden", the "foreign village chief" of Xizhou Ancient Town, "China-US Cultural Exchange Ambassador", and even the protagonist of the movie "He Is From the Pacific".

　　【Explanation】Due to the impact of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, Linden's 16th year of residence in Xizhou, Dali, China, opened in an atmosphere different from previous years. Recently, Linden began to translate his book into Chinese. The book comprehensively reviews his 35-year story with China.

　　[Commentary] Few people know that he comes from a poor family in the United States and has been working 14 hours a day since he was 16. In the 1980s, when cleaning a carpet at a professor’s house, Linden first knew about China. Later, he applied to study in China. While studying in China, Linden traveled to all provinces and regions except Hainan. Even after returning to the United States, he often returned to China.

　　[Commentary] In 2004, Linden and his wife, who had married and had children, returned to China again with their two sons. This time, they quit their jobs in the United States, sold their houses, and wanted to settle in a Chinese village. After traveling around, they fell in love with Xizhou among the Erhai Lake of Cangshan Mountain at first sight.

　　[Commentary] A Bai family house "Yang Pinxiang", located in a corner of Xizhou and a paddy field, is a place where the dream of the Linden family begins. They first spent several years repairing the old house as old, and then built it into a "Xilin Garden" that integrates boutique hotels and educational and cultural exchange camps. Here, Linden brought what he saw and heard in China to more people who want to understand China.

　　[Concurrent period] Linden

　　I always feel that I have this sense of responsibility for China. I can still represent a foreigner, but a foreigner who is very passionate about China, you can use my passion for China, and everyone can use me as a bridge.

　　[Explanation] In Xizhou, in addition to the old buildings, the most attractive to Linden is the villagers and daily fireworks. Every day he would say hello in the ancient town. In the summer afternoon, when the sun is shining, Linden will bring ice coke to the villagers who work in the rice fields. Everyone also kindly called him "Lin Village Chief". In Linden's view, this group of hardworking and kind people is the real soft power behind China's rapid development.

　　[Concurrent period] Linden

　　One of my biggest gains now is you, which is a kind of respect (respect) that you expressed to Xilinyuan, a kind of gratitude. There are hundreds of people who come to Xilinyuan every day, they are willing to come, they all say thank you very much, although the United States There are some difficulties with China now. (Guest told me) You see you are a foreign watchman of our Chinese culture. We are very grateful to you. This is more valuable than any Rolex or Land Rover.

　　【Explanation】Linden witnessed China's rapid development in 35 years after coming to China. Having settled in Xizhou for more than ten years, Linden took hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world and many schools and institutions to enter the local morning market, rice fields, workshops and experience, just to share the softness he touched The real "China".

　　[Concurrent period] Linden

　　I really want foreigners like me to appreciate, understand, and fall in love with this country. I think as a foreigner (person) in China, a foreigner who loves Chinese culture, I am willing to spread (Chinese culture), and I am willing to be a cheerleader. I express my passion for China very passionately. I am very Willing to do so.

　　[Commentary] Today, although the new coronary pneumonia epidemic is still spreading around the world, tourism in Dali where Linden is located is gradually recovering. The rooftop of Xilinyuan is once again full of travelers.

　　Hu Yuanhang Du Xiaoxiao Huang Xiaotong Yunnan Dali reported

Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]