From the English countryside to Dali, China, Jason's life trajectory transformed through his passion for Chinese culture—unfolding like a vibrant scroll painting. This foreigner, utterly enchanted by China, has carved out an extraordinary life in China, even writing books to share his remarkable journey.
Jason's bond with China traces back to his father, an enthusiast of ancient Chinese texts. Growing up surrounded by Chinese character posters and artworks, young Jason developed an early fascination with the mystical East. After studying Chinese in university, he embarked on a one-way trip to China without hesitation. From Tianjin to Shanghai, and finally to his spiritual home—Dali—each city left an indelible mark on his life.
To Jason, Dali is nothing short of a treasure trove. Upon arriving, he was instantly captivated by Yunnan's breathtaking landscapes and decided to put down roots. Like an eternally curious child, he wandered through ancient towns and temples, discovering wonders at every turn. These experiences flowed from his brush and pen, culminating in an illustrated book in Chinese—a love letter to Dali's beauty as seen through his eyes, meant to be shared with local friends.
Beyond chronicling Dali, Jason is also a Chinese character fanatic. When his son struggled with memorizing characters, Jason had a eureka moment: he deconstructed the secrets behind each character using whimsical comics and stories. This creative spark led to The Story of Chinese Characters, a book that turns boring characters into super cool treasures for kids, leveraging his illustrator's flair.
After nearly 25 years in China, Jason marvels at the country's convenience and overwhelming sense of safety. Now settled contentedly in Kunming with a happy family, he plans to keep writing, painting, and diving deeper into Chinese culture. This foreigner who's thrived while staying in China is scripting a one-of-a-kind China story—one that reveals the nation's charm and inclusiveness to the world through his unique lens.
(Reporter & Cameraperson: Tan Minxi; Editor: Ella Qu; English Editor: Darius)
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