Steven Weathers, an American who has long worked as a TV host in China and boasts a popular travel vlog showcasing his experiences across the country, has also discovered growing business prospects in the inbound tourism industry.
When Steven arrived in Shanghai 19 years ago, he was captivated by the city's lively and dynamic atmosphere and decided to make it his permanent residence.
Now a popular online influencer with two million followers, he travels extensively across China and shares his experiences with his audience. The videos he uploads on social media platforms always receive a flood of messages from across the globe.
In addition, with China opening wider to the world and lowering the barriers to foreign investment, he has seized the chance to open his own business.
"Business opportunities in China have changed over the years. I would say 10 or 20 years ago, there were a lot of large companies coming over setting up factories. Right now, there are a lot of smaller opportunities, at least the ones that I am touching, of which one would be inbound tourism," said Steven.
A trip to the picturesque mountain resort of Moganshan in east China's Zhejiang Province inspired him to start the new venture. Since 2017, he and his business partner Ernest Guan have been running their boutique hotel there.
Steven has traveled to all of the country's provinces, spending his time filming and interviewing people from diverse backgrounds. Through his work, he showcases China's stunning natural landscapes and its rich culture to his audience.
American travel vlogger discovers China's small business opportunities
The third part of China Media Group (CMG)'s Mid-Autumn Festival gala aired on Tuesday night blends traditional Chinese culture with international artistry in a diverse lineup, bringing the audience an unforgettable night of music performance and poetry recitation.
The annual gala broadcast, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, was recorded in Shenyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, a 2,300-year-old city boasting three world cultural heritage sites and over 1,500 historical and cultural sites. The city is also one of the most well-known industrial cities in China.
Themed "Moon Bright", the third part of the grand gala features an array of classic songs, reunion-themed narratives, and touching performances. Highlights include a music adaptation of the famous Chinese poem Qing Ping Diao by Tang Dynasty Poet Li Bai (701-762), which captures the essence of ancient Chinese beauty and expression; and a middle-school chorus from the Macao Special Administrative Region, singing about their love for the country and hopes for a brighter future.
The third segment of the show also features celebrated French musician Richard Clayderman, who enchants the audience with his timeless A Comme Amour a breathtaking rendition of The Butterfly Lovers concerto. The concerto, inspired by the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, is a modern classic that intertwines Chinese folklore with romantic Western composition techniques.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the night when the moon reaches its fullest and brightest on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar. This year, the day fell on Tuesday (Sept 17). During the festival, families reunite, admire the moon, share the traditional festive pastry of mooncakes and light up lanterns.
Part 3 of CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala showcases diverse lineup of performances
