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| Kenji Wu Sparks Cross-Strait Buzz After Guiyang Huimin Bus Clip (Photo: CCTV-13) |
The Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council addressed Taiwanese singer Kenji Wu (Wu Kequn)’s viral video during its routine press conference on 11 February, after his clip about a farmer-support bus service in Guiyang triggered heated cross-strait discussion online.
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian responded to media questions regarding the short video, in which Kenji Wu documented his experience riding the “Huimin” farmer bus line in Guiyang. The clip quickly went viral on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with netizens debating everything from grassroots policy to cross-strait goodwill.
In the now widely shared video, Kenji Wu joined elderly farmers travelling at dawn on the dedicated bus route to sell vegetables in the city.
At one point, he described it as “the warmest bus” he had ever seen — packed not with passengers, but with baskets of fresh produce.
Moved by what he witnessed, he later helped host an impromptu vegetable auction that resulted in the full sale of 30,000 kilograms of produce, drawing support from local supermarkets and restaurants.
He openly expressed his hope that people on both sides of the Strait could see “the best side of one another”, a statement that resonated strongly online and sparked a wave of commentary.
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During the press briefing, Zhu Fenglian emphasised that improving livelihoods and helping residents increase income remains a key focus for local governments across mainland China.
She cited the Guiyang Huimin farmer bus line as one example, alongside Chongqing’s “Beilou Line” metro service that allows farmers to carry agricultural goods more conveniently, and the farmer-dedicated train service in Chenzhou, Hunan Province.
According to Zhu, these initiatives reflect a people-focused approach and demonstrate practical public service measures designed to support rural communities.
She also welcomed Taiwanese residents showing greater interest in mainland social development, encouraging more exchanges and constructive engagement.
Kenji Wu’s involvement didn’t stop at the viral video.
Reports highlighted that many of the farmers using the bus service are elderly and travel in the early hours to sell their goods.
After experiencing the weight of their produce baskets himself, he shared how surprised he was at how physically demanding it was, noting the resilience and positivity of the farmers despite their age.
The “Huimin Bus” model has reportedly expanded significantly since its launch in June 2024, evolving from an upgraded urban-rural route into a wider network designed to ease logistical challenges for farmers.
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By October 2025, dozens of similar routes had been introduced across Guiyang, signalling ongoing policy support for rural sellers.
Netizens’ reactions have been mixed but largely engaged. Some mainland users praised the practical support measures and applauded Kenji Wu for stepping into a grassroots setting rather than staying behind the stage lights.
Others on Taiwanese platforms focused more on his message about mutual understanding, seeing it as a rare soft moment in often tense online discourse. Of course, there were also sceptical voices questioning whether viral moments can truly represent broader realities.
Still, the dominant tone leaned towards appreciation for the human angle.
Beyond the bus story, recent charity efforts in Taiwan also made headlines. Following severe flooding in Hualien’s Mataian River area last September, long-term public welfare advocate Aili Medical Beauty Group returned to the disaster-affected regions this February.
Led by President Chang Ru-shan, the group partnered with Kenji Wu and Yoshida Construction to distribute Spring Festival red envelopes totalling NT$8 million to elderly residents in Guangfu and Wanrong townships.
Kenji Wu had earlier donated NT$1 million upon learning of the disaster situation, stating he hoped the contribution would provide practical support to affected families and frontline responders.
The initiative was widely covered and praised by local officials and community leaders for bringing tangible help during the rebuilding period.
Cross-strait stories often attract strong opinions, but this particular moment has centred more on livelihoods, elderly farmers, and acts of support than political rhetoric. Whether viewed as grassroots goodwill, public service promotion, or simply a singer lending a hand, the conversation has clearly struck a chord.
What do you think — was this just a viral feel-good moment, or does it show something deeper about cross-strait social exchange?